PENNSYLVANIA, USA — From a new governor to a weeks-long manhunt for a convicted murderer to a pup that truly got a second chance, here's a look at some of the year's biggest stories:
Pennsylvania gets a new governor
2023 saw Democrat Josh Shapiro be sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 48th governor.
“[I have] not just the honor to serve as your governor but the responsibility to stand up for what is right, to bring people together and to get real things done for you," Gov. Shapiro said in his Inauguration Day address back in January.
Shapiro is also the state's third Jewish governor and the first governor since 1966 to belong to the same political party as his predecessor.
Alongside him, Austin Davis was sworn in as Pennsylvania's first African-American lieutenant governor.
Local business leaders killed in avalanche
Brothers Timothy and Jonathan Kinsley, the leaders of York-based Kinsley Properties and Kinsley Construction, respectively, died in January during a skiing trip in British Columbia.
In a statement released on January 31, the Kinsley family said:
The Kinsley family would like to thank the community for the vast outpouring of support since the passing of Jon and Tim Kinsley. During this time of immense grief, the family says they are comforted by the stories and fond memories being shared.
“We are immensely proud of the ways Jon and Tim impacted our community. As we move forward without our beloved brothers, fathers, husbands and sons, we appreciate continued prayers and respectfully request privacy as the family mourns. Memorial services will be private.”
Additionally, the Kinsley family would like to thank all who have reached out about making memorial contributions in their names. Donations can be made to Penn-Mar Human Services in memory of Jon and to the Tim and Anne Kinsley Family Fund at York County Community Foundation in memory of Tim.
Again, thank you for your well wishes, prayers and blessings.
Fatal explosion at Berks County chocolate factory
In March, seven people were killed when a chocolate factory in Berks County exploded.
Authorities determined the explosion at RM Palmer Company in West Reading was caused by a natural gas leak.
OSHA later found the company ignored workers who reported smelling gas prior to the blast. Ten others were hurt in the explosion.
State trooper shot and killed in Juniata County
A Pennsylvania State Trooper was killed in the line of duty.
It happened in June in Juniata County. Trooper Jacques Rougeau Jr. was fatally shot while exchanging gunfire with an armed man who had fired shots at the Lewistown state police barracks. Another trooper, James Wagner, was also seriously injured.
“I knew you would change the world Jay Rougeau, I just never imagined it would be like this," said Chloe Rougeau, Trooper Rougeau's widow, at his funeral service in Erie County.
Flames destroy part of iconic Broad Street Market
Fire ripped through part of the historic Broad Street Market in Harrisburg in July.
“We will build it, we will rebuild the building, and we will rebuild its business," said Harrisburg's mayor, Wanda Williams, after the fire.
Authorities found the fire stemmed from an electrical issue.
It destroyed the iconic brick building, leaving many of the market’s vendors without a spot to sell their goods.
The City of Harrisburg continues to work on a temporary structure where vendors will be able to operate until the brick building is rebuilt.
It's not yet known when that temporary structure will be finished.
Manhunt for escaped murderer
In Chester County, escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante led hundreds of law enforcement officers on a weeklong manhunt.
He escaped from the Chester County Prison on August 31 and was on the run for two weeks, until he was captured by a state police K9 on September 13.
Abused dog gets a second chance at life
In York County, it's a story that captured the hearts of many and had a happy ending.
“Chance” the German shepherd was found nearly beaten to death back in August.
Police rescued him and with the help of Mason Dixon Animal Emergency Hospital and the York County SPCA, Chance was nursed back to health.
An arrest has yet to be made in the case.
Explosion at popular Lancaster County inn
Firefighters from throughout Lancaster County attacked heavy smoke and flames at the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn in the early morning hours of December 18.
One person died in the fire, which broke out following a propane explosion at the Leacock Township hotel's front office.
One Bird-in-Hand employee, Michelle Miller of Lancaster, was killed in the blast.
Miller worked as a night auditor at the Inn and was with the company for 34 years.
An investigation into what caused the propane explosion is ongoing.
The owners say they are in discussions about rebuilding the inn.
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