🗳️ How Allegheny County ‘cures’ a ballot

🗳️ How Allegheny County ‘Cures’ a Ballot

Allegheny County could have election night returns sooner than expected, thanks to pandemic-era investments in ballot sorting technology, a new design for mail-in envelopes, and an all-hands-on-deck approach to Election Day. Another feather in our cap? We’re much faster and more efficient than Philly. [Votebeat Pennsylvania]

• 🐐 County communications director Abigail Gardner explains what makes us the GOAT on today’s podcast. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

🌊 Fresh Ideas for Allegheny Landing Park

While the riverfront project still needs more funding, a $1 million grant from the Buhl Foundation is setting the groundwork for a transformation of the green space near PNC Park. Ideas include tile art, waterside hammocks, sturdy sculptures that can withstand play, and water-spray features. [NEXTpittsburgh]

🏗️ Historic Building To Become Affordable Housing

The Urban Redevelopment Authority is selling its building at 200 Ross St. to ACTION-Housing for $4 million. The 104,920-square-foot structure will have 68 affordable units, along with three floors of affordable office space. [PublicSource]

☀️ Solar Fields on the Turnpike

The Pennsylvania Turnpike wants to be the first sustainable superhighway in the country by installing solar fields at 15 sites of excess land along the turnpike, mostly in Western Pennsylvania. [Union Progress]

Of all of Mother Nature’s most magnificent creations, my favorite is the waterfall, from the tiniest falls that hide in the woods to awe-inspiring gems, like Buttermilk Falls, a majestic cascade that tumbles down 45 feet. Pennsylvania’s home to hundreds of named and unnamed waterfalls, so we’ve got a pretty good chance of stumbling across one when we explore. If you’re not from Western Pennsylvania, you might not even know this waterfall in Hookstown, Pennsylvania, exists, but now that you know, it’s well worth the effort to hike to it.

Several trails lead to the Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls in Raccoon Creek State Park, including the scenic 1.3-mile Mineral Spring Loop and Uplands Trail. Since it is usually not very busy, this is the route of choice if you want quiet time and a bit of a challenge. The pretty path scores a moderately difficult rating, mostly for its slight elevation climb of 187 feet, some rocky terrain and fallen trees, and, as is common in Pennsylvania, roots jutting up from the ground.

Read the full article to discover Racoon Creek State Park’s natural beauty.