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The health and safety of our community is Cranberry’s top priority. We are taking the current spread of COVID-19 very seriously and working in partnership with health officials and the school district as we continue to monitor this evolving situation.

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Closed, canceled or postponed

• Cranberry Municipal Center is closed.
• The Police Dept. has suspended soliciting permits and civil and criminal fingerprinting
• The Library is closed and will waive fines on overdue library materials. Please do not return any item until April 13. The outdoor drop boxes are closed.
• The Senior Center is closed.
• Cranberry Highlands Golf Course events canceled through April 12.
  
  

  Canceled Programs/ Meetings/ Events

  • Butler Co. Sheriff’s Office will not be here to process gun licenses on March 28. Contact the Sheriff’s Office directly for information, 724-284-5245
  • April Rain Barrel Classes are postponed.
  • April 7 Cranberry Artist’s Network, Open Studio Class is canceled.
  • April 18, Library Makerspace Opening and MakerFaire is postponed.
  • April, Public Dog Park Meeting is canceled and will be rescheduled. Please stay out of groups when visiting the Dog Park (or any of our parks)
  • The DEA has postponed the April Drive Up/Drop Off Drug Collection.

Updated March 27, 2020: 3:22 PM

Butler County Residents Ordered to Stay at Home

Governor Tom Wolf expands stay-at-home order to include Butler County

The order takes effect 8 PM. Friday, March 27 and will last until Monday, April 6, with a possible extension.

Under this order, residents must stay at home unless they are seeking medical attention, getting necessities like groceries and supplies, caring for a family member or pet in another household, engaging in outdoor activities, or working at a job that provides an essential service.

Updated March 27, 2020: 1:43 PM

EMS Receives Donation

Cranberry Township EMS continues to receive donations from the community.

Passavant Memorial Homes donated 30 N95 masks, 50 surgical masks and a box of gloves. A Township resident donated 15 Tyvek suits, 40 P95 masks and two boxes of gloves.

Thank you for keeping our first responders safe!

Real ID Date Delayed

The deadline to get a Real ID in Pennsylvania has been moved from October 2020 to October 2021.

The move comes as the state’s driver license centers remain closed to stop the spread of coronavirus. The closure is expected to last until at least April 3.

Construction Inspections Changed

Due to Governor Tom Wolf’s shutdown order, construction inspections cannot be conducted unless a construction project has received a waiver granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

To apply for a waiver, please visit the DCED website at https://dced.pa.gov/.

Library Has Lots to Offer

The doors may be closed, but the Cranberry Public Library has numerous resources to offer from a distance.

E-books, music, audio books, language programs, and genealogy tools are just some of the offerings.

Visit cranberrylibrary.org to explore these options.

Updated March 26, 2020: 4:16 PM

Caution Urged in Parks

As the temperature heats up, residents are asked to continue to use caution while using the Township’s parks.

If using playground equipment, residents are encouraged to sanitize it before and after use.

Additionally, those using trails in the parks are reminded to keep a safe social distance and refrain from exercising in groups.

This also applies to the Township dog park. Dogs are only permitted in designated areas within Township parks, including a trail system within North Boundary Park. Please keep distance from those also using the trails.

Please use caution and be considerate of your neighbors when using Township facilities.

Keeping Streets Clean

The Township’s Public Works crews are undertaking a street sweeping program beginning Thursday.

Over the next several days, crews will sweep the outer portion of all major intersections in the Township to clean grit and debris. Areas include Routes 19 and 228 and Freedom Road.

With rain forecast for next week, keeping roads clean will help ease any potential flooding issues that could arise.

Who Needs Help?

Response to the Township’s Community Response Team has been swift, with more than 25 residents and organizations reaching out in the first 24 hours.

With teams of people ready to help, the Township wants to hear from residents who need assistance.

To request help, be it with picking up groceries or financial aid, visit cranberrytownship.org/CRT or call Customer Service at 724-776-4806.

Election Postponed

Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday officially moved Pennsylvania’s primary election from April 28 to June 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Those wishing to vote via mail-in ballot can visit votespa.com/applymailballot.

Updated March 25, 2020: 2:10 PM

Community Response Team

In good times and bad, the Cranberry Township residents have a history of supporting one another.

Fundraisers, charity drives and service projects are commonplace and a large part of what makes the Township a great place to live, work and play.

Now, with many members of our community facing an unprecedented shutdown of daily life, that community spirit is needed more than ever.

That’s why the Township is seeking individuals to help ease the burden the pandemic is having on the community.

Volunteers will help provide those in need with essential basic human needs like food, water, or toiletries. By doing this, they can help make the day a little brighter in a term of uncertainty.

Healthy volunteers who want to help, as well as residents in need of assistance are asked to contact the Township via links at cranberrytownship.org/CRT or by calling 724-776-4806.

Cardboard Compactor Open

The commercial-strength cardboard compactor behind the Township Municipal Center continues to be available for public use.

No garbage, Syrofoam or packing peanuts are permitted in the compactor. If the compactor is full, do not leave boxes outside. A camera monitors the compactor at all times.

Updated March 24, 2020: 3:30 PM

What Is Essential?

Following Governor Tom Wolf’s order, non-essential and non-life-sustaining businesses in Cranberry Township and across the state are currently not permitted to operate.

Businesses that CAN remain open include grocery stores, gas stations, auto part stores, banks, health care facilities, laundromats and social assistance services.

Restaurants may still offer take-out, delivery and drive-through services.

Hotels and motels can remain open but must follow social distancing and mitigation operations.

Those businesses that are unclear if they are permitted to operate can email ra-dcedcs@pa.gov for clarification.

Businesses may also apply for a waiver by filling out a form on the DCED’s website and submitting it to RA-dcexemption@pa.gov. Businesses approved for a waiver will receive written confirmation, which they may share with an enforcement agency to confirm authorization to maintain operations.

Those business found not to be adhering to the order face fines.

Victory Church Giving Away Food

Victory Family Church, 21150 Route 19, will distribute food from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday to anyone who is in need.

Questions can be directed to 724-453-6200.

EMS Receives Donation

Kawneer-Arconic of Cranberry Township donated several items to Cranberry Township EMS to use while responding to calls.

The company donated 550 gloves and 66 Tyvek suits to help keep first responders safe when during calls.

The department is thankful for the help from their community partners!

Classes Canceled 

The Rain Barrel Classes scheduled for May 13 have been canceled. Additional classes will be scheduled in the future.

Updated March 23, 2020: 2:22 PM

Yard Waste Collection to Begin

As essential services will continue to be provided by the Township, yard waste collection is set to begin.

Normal yard waste collection will begin Monday, March 30.

Please visit https://www.cranberrytownship.org/1572/Yard-Waste for more information on the procedure for this collection.

Vogel Accepting Credit Cards

Vogel Disposal, the Township’s waste management provider, is accepting credit card payments for items placed outside of the trash cart without a sticker.

The payments will follow the contracted sticker price. For example, two additional trash bags that would normally have a small item sticker would cost $1.30.

Please contact Vogel Disposal at 724-625-1511 to call in advance of your collection day to pay and arrange for collection of these extra items.

Updated March 22, 2020: 4:30 PM

MSA Helping Address Pandemic

MSA is doing its part to help those impacted by the coronavirus.

The company, which has been a key part of Cranberry Township for decades, is donating 65,000 N-95 respirators to medical facilities in the Pittsburgh region.

The company does not manufacture the N-95 respirators in-house. However, officials said they are working with the White House to determine how other types of respirators can be used.

As an essential business, the company continues operating while many other businesses and organizations are closed, creating safety equipment for multiple industries, including first responders and medical professionals.

Updated March 20, 2020: 1:26 PM

Criminals are opportunists, and as seen in the past, any major news event can become an opportunity for groups or individuals with malicious intentions.  The Corona virus is no different.  In fact, the Corona virus is a prime opportunity for enterprising criminals because it plays on one of the basic human conditions...fear.  Fear can cause normally scrupulous individuals to let their guard down and fall victim to social engineering scams, phishing scams, non-delivery scams, and auction fraud scams. Read the message from the Secret Service

Park Offerings Scaled Back

All tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts; athletic fields; and the dog park are closed to promote social distancing. The park is open for walkers and bicyclists. If using playground equipment, please use caution and consider bringing sanitation wipes. Winter park gate restrictions will remain in effect to provide safe areas from vehicles for walkers and bicyclists.
The following park restrooms will remain open:

• Graham Park Sports Courts and portable restroom by the trail connection near the football/lacrosse campus
• Community Park Kid’s Castle and tennis courts
• North Boundary Soccer Field and Playground

All other restrooms will remain closed and will intermediately open throughout mid to late April.

Codes Canceled

As of Fri., March 20,  building inspections will not be conducted by Township staff until further notice.

Watch What You Flush

While many sanitary wipes purport to be flushable, overuse of those products can have an impact on sanitary sewer systems – including those within a person’s home. The Township is asking residents not to flush any wipes (baby wipes, wet wipes, cleaning wipes)  to prevent damage to the system.

Bid Deadlines Extended Again

Five Township projects currently out to bid have had their deadlines extended even further.
Projects with bid deadlines of March 24 have been extended until April 15 by 9:45 AM. They include disposal of bio-solids, grit and screening at the Brush Creek Water Pollution Control Facility; acoustic silencers for blow intake at the Brush Creek facility; Township Parks fencing; line painting and traffic markings; and micro-surfacing for 2020.

Updated March 19, 2020: 3:17 PM

Parks Open, But Caution Urged

The Township’s parks remain open, though officials encourage distance while using facilities. Additionally, please use caution and care when using any park equipment, including playground items.

This also includes the Township pickleball courts, where scheduled Cranberry Township Pickleball Association matches have been canceled. Social play cannot be regulated, but social distancing precautions suggest staying 6 feet away from other people at this time.

Ways to Pay

With the Township Municipal Center closed, changes are being made for those pay bills or trash tags in person.

No in-person payments will be accepted as long as the Municipal Center is closed.

Utility bills can be paid online by visiting https://www.cranberrytownship.org/3065/Pay.

Those residents who do not have access to a computer or other device can contact Customer Service at 724-776-4806 and a representative will process a credit card payment.

Checks can also be mailed to the Township. This also includes requests for additional trash tags, which can be paid for over the phone and mailed to a resident.

Answer Honestly

Residents calling 911 are being asked more questions than normal due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials with Township EMS are asking those calling to answer pandemic related questions honestly. This will allow first responders to properly prepare to respond to the call and provide assistance.

If you believe you have symptoms of the virus, please contact your doctor first.

Updated March 18, 2020: 3:44 PM

Police Department Taking Safety Steps

Additional steps and precautions to maintain safety are outlined in a letter from Chief Kevin Meyer.

• Officers will continue to respond to emergencies and life-threatening situations as normal.
• Non-emergency calls will be handled by phone when possible.
• Officers are being asked to refrain from entering homes unless there is an immediate threat to life.
• The Department is closed to walk-in visitors. A call box is located at the Police entrance.
• Elsewhere, every staff member has been given a supply of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves and protective masks. 
• The department is working with Fire and Emergency Services and EMS to plan for potential mitigation efforts.

Read entire letter from Cranberry Chief of Police

Board Meeting Canceled

The Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for March 26 was been canceled due to ongoing coronavirus concerns. Township officials are in the process of exploring options for the scheduled April 2 meeting. More information will be released when arrangements are made.

Bid Deadlines Extended

Five Township projects currently out to bid have had their deadlines extended.
Projects with bid deadlines of March 24 have been extended until March 31. They include disposal of bio-solids, grit and screening at the Brush Creek Water Pollution Control Facility; acoustic silencers for blow intake at the Brush Creek facility; Township Parks fencing; line painting and traffic markings; and micro-surfacing for 2020.

Helping by Hiring

While non-essential businesses are feeling the effects of recommended closures due to the coronavirus, those essential businesses that remain open are doing their part to help their community. One of those businesses, Giant Eagle at the Cranberry Mall, is looking for temporary and permanent employees who may be out of work. The store is seeking cashiers, cart pushers, grocery clerks and curbside shoppers. For more information or to apply, email michelle.ritchie@gianteagle.com.

Keeping Work Flowing

With more people working from home, Armstrong is doing their part to keep communication flowing. Beginning March 16, the company relaxed data allowance policies for all residential Zoom Internet service to ensure customers do not have to worry about overage charges. Additionally, the company is opening Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the area to be used by the general public. Both measures will be in effect for the next 60 days, and could be extended as needed

Updated March 17, 2020: 3:13 PM

Municipal Center to Close

In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Township Municipal Center will close indefinitely beginning Wednesday, March 18. The closure includes the Parks and Recreation Department, Library, Senior Center and other offices located within the building. The number of Township staff will be limited to those who provide essential services.

Here When You Call

Despite reduced staff in the Township services such as trash pickup, police, fire and EMS will continue to be offered. Procedures are in place to ensure staff members are safe.

Block Party Trailer Hiatus

The Township’s block party trailer service is being put on hiatus for April 2020. The status of parties scheduled for May will be determined in the coming weeks.

License and Registration Centers Closed

PennDOT has ordered all driver license centers and photo license centers in Pennsylvania will be closed for two weeks from March 16.

Expiration dates for driver licenses, identification cards, vehicle registrations, and safety and emission inspections will be extended:

• Driver licenses, photo ID cards and learner’s permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until April 30, 2020.
• Vehicle registrations, safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through March 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until April 30, 2020.
• Persons with Disabilities Parking Placards scheduled to expire from March 16 through March 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until April 30, 2020.

All PennDOT District and County maintenance offices are closed. Construction projects have been suspended in all counties until further notice. However, PennDOT crews are available to perform critical functions and emergency maintenance as needed.  

PennDOT rest areas and welcome centers statewide will be closed to the public effective 12:01 AM Tues., March 17.

What is Essential?

Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday ordered all non-essential businesses to shut down to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 

According to information from Wolf’s office, non-essential businesses include entertainment, hospitality, and recreation facilities, including but not limited to community and recreation centers; gyms, including yoga, barre and spin facilities; hair salons and barber shops, nail salons and spas; casinos; concert venues; theaters; sporting event venues and golf courses; retail facilities, including shopping malls except for pharmacy or other health care facilities within retail operations.

Essential services include food processing, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, feed mills, construction, trash collection, grocery and household goods (including convenience stores), home repair/hardware and auto repair, pharmacy and other medical facilities, biomedical and healthcare, post offices and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and pet stores, warehousing, storage; and distribution, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging.

Updated March 16, 2020: 3:26 PM

Township’s Drinking Water Safe for Consumption

Water continues to meet or exceed standards

That is especially true as the country faces concerns related to the coronavirus, as the Centers for Disease Control and Environmental Protection Agency have confirmed the disease HAS NOT been detected in drinking water throughout the country.

Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual. EPA has established regulations with treatment requirements for public water systems that prevent waterborne pathogens such as viruses from contaminating drinking water and wastewater. COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection and standard treatment and disinfectant processes are expected to be effective.

Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

In Cranberry Township, the Brush Creek Water Treatment Plant was recently upgraded and renovated to ensure quality remains high.

 Updated March 16, 2020: 3:23 PM

Resident Safety Remains High Priority

The safety of the Township’s residents is of the utmost importance as steps are taken to slow the spread of coronavirus.
But what about those who protect and serve those residents?
Additional measures and precautions are being taken to ensure police, fire and EMS officials are protected while they serve. At Cranberry Township EMS, the department has the ability to utilize numerous face shields, masks and hazard suits, acquired in the wake of the Ebola epidemic in 2014. Additionally, training on infectious disease has been increased, as has hands-off removal of protective gear.

Meanwhile, the Township Police Department is adjusting how they respond to calls and taking precautions to keep vehicles sanitary for officers.

These steps will ensure first responders are ready for whatever call they may receive.

Updated March 14, 2020: 11:50 AM

Library is Closed

In compliance with the directive from the Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries and supported by Governor Tom Wolf, Cranberry Public Library is closed  -watch for updates.

There are options available to patrons during this time.

With a valid library card, most online resources are available 24/7. Books, downloadable audio items, and online magazines are available for checkout. Many databases are available to assist with reference inquires. Access these resources by visiting  https://www.cranberrylibrary.org/892/Electronic-Resources

Library staff will be available via phone to assist with online resources and questions that patrons may have.

While the library staff were ready and willing to implement a curbside pickup plan, we are disheartened to say that the state has asked that we not provide this service as originally planned. For this, we offer a sincere apology.

In addition to the closing, all Cranberry Public Library storytimes, events, programs for all ages are cancelled through April 30, 2020.

Parks and Recreation Programs Closed

Following Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to close all Pennsylvania schools for 10 business days, Cranberry Township’s Early Learning Center and Kids Club program will be closed beginning Monday, March 16. 

Closures will be in place through March 27, with another evaluation expected soon thereafter.

Updated March 13, 2020: 12:40 PM

Township Taking Steps to Stop Spread of Coronavirus

Cranberry Township is not exempt from dealing with the challenges being posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Though no confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in Cranberry Township or Western Pennsylvania, Township leaders are following the advice and recommendations of state and federal officials to take preliminary action now.

Beginning at 4 PM Friday, March 13, all non-essential programming, meetings and events will be canceled or postponed. This includes all Parks and Recreation Department offerings, excluding pre-school and Kids Club programs. Those programs will continue in coordination with the Seneca Valley School District. They will also be canceled if the District closes. Officials are also evaluating all events being hosted at Township facilities.

Township Administrators are also in the process of reviewing which services are essential to the basic function of government and how those services will be staffed. Essential staff will continue to work on-site to ensure that services such as public works including water and sewer services and trash collection; building and code inspectors; police, fire and EMS; and communications continue to be provided at the high standard set by the Township. Customer service representatives will also continue to be available to Township residents at the Municipal Center.

These changes will not only ensure the Township can continue to provide essential services, but will help slow the spread of the virus. Again, while there are currently no reported cases in our area, eliminating the amount of social interaction in public spaces is key to slowing the overall spread of the illness.

Township officials will continue to monitor the situation, and additional adjustments will be communicated to local media and via the Township’s website, social media and other outlets. Township officials believe taking these precautionary steps are the responsible steps a government must take to ensure the safety and well-being of the community and its employees.