Supervisors table decision on Wild and Scenic river program – Bucks Round-Up – September 15, 2025
Supervisors table decision on Wild and Scenic River program
A proposal for Durham Township to join its neighbors as a steward of the federally designated Wild and Scenic Lower Delaware River caused intense debate at the supervisors’ September meeting. After more than an hour of discussions between environmental advocates and skeptical residents, the board tabled the issue. The push comes from Holland Township, N.J., which called on Durham earlier this summer to partner in the program. supporters argue that the designation could free up additional grants for both townships, funding that could be used not only for the Delaware itself but also for local tributaries such as Cooks Creek. Durham shares a stretch of the riverfront with Holland between Riegelsville and Lynn Island. Nockamixon and Bridgeton are already participants, and Riegelsville is preparing to join. A survey shows that a large percentage of residents are in favor of joining. The supervisors requested more in-depth information before making a final decision.
Pennridge School District, local Turning Point clash over August event
Pennridge Schol District Superintendent Angelos Berrios recently asserted that the district was unaware of an event hosted by the district’s high school wing of the late Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization on August 18. Berrios stated that the district does not recognize Club America, the name of the local Turning Point group, and disputed advertisements suggesting the occasion was district-affiliated. At the August event, Turning Point organizer Jewel Gibson spoke to attendees at a VFW lodge in Sellersville. Public contentions about the speaking engagement came about after left-wing activist Jane Cramer complained about the biracial Gibson, calling him “racist,” “homophobic,” and “xenophobic.” Others reacted more positively: Former Pennridge Area Republican Club President Kim Bedillion said she found Watson’s speech “engaging and inspiring.” The controversy emerges in the wake of Kirk’s assassination in Utah last week by a far-left gunman.
Garrity pushes energy and fiscal discipline in governor’s race
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity sharpened her campaign for governor with a message built on energy independence and fiscal restraint — two themes likely to resonate with voters feeling the strain of inflation. Speaking on the trail, Garrity called for expanded natural gas drilling across the state, tying the policy directly to kitchen-table costs. “If we unleash the liquid gold we have right under our feet, that is going to decrease the price people are paying at the pump and it’s going to drive down our grocery prices,” she said. Pennsylvania is the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer, and Republicans in Harrisburg have long argued that increased drilling and pipeline projects can lower consumer prices while creating jobs. Garrity’s stance puts her squarely in line with GOP lawmakers who have resisted new restrictions on the industry, especially as energy policy becomes a defining issue in the Capitol. Beyond energy, Garrity signaled her focus on accountability in state spending. She echoed Republican Senate leaders in questioning the finances of SEPTA, the Philadelphia-based transit system seeking hundreds of millions in additional state support. Garrity called for a “complete financial inspection” of the agency before taxpayers are asked to foot a larger bill. She also pressed the Shapiro administration and the legislature over the unresolved state budget, now more than two months overdue. Garrity argued that missed deadlines hurt Pennsylvania’s credit rating and credibility. “All businesses or municipalities, they have to pass budgets on time, so should the commonwealth,” she said. Together, the priorities form a campaign platform centered on energy development, fiscal prudence, and government oversight.
Man accused of attempted sexual encounter with minor
Bensalem Township Police arrested 53-year-old Eric Karch of Jenkintown after he allegedly attempted to meet a thirteen-year-old girl for a sexual encounter. According to authorities, Karch began communicating with the child on a social media dating app on September 6, 2025, quickly steering the conversation in an inappropriate direction and requesting explicit photographs. Karch allegedly sent explicit images of himself and asked to meet the child in person. Police say Karch traveled via SEPTA bus on September 11 from Jenkintown to Bensalem, where police were waiting. Officers found condoms on Karch intended for the encounter. No children were in danger during the investigation. Karch was charged with a list of offenses including attempted Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse unlawful contact with a minor, sexual abuse of children/, corruption of minors and criminal use of a communication facility. Karch was arraigned by District Justice Joseph Falcone and sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $10 million bail.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
