ZELIENOPLE — Borough leaders are requesting the state Department of Transportation’s permission to install a four-way stop at Route 68 and Clay Street.

The site has been the scene of an unusual rate of crashes, according to borough manager Don Pepe.

“That’s the highest crash place in the whole town,” said Zelienople Police Chief Jim Miller.

Route 68 falls under state jurisdiction, and so council must receive approval from PennDOT before exploring alterations to the site, Pepe said.

Pepe and Miller said converting the site into a four-way stop could lead to fewer crashes.

The council unanimously approved a letter asking for PennDOT’s approval.

The council also voted unanimously to ask PennDOT’s permission to build a crosswalk at Milton Street and West New Castle Street. This request would include a study on whether such a change would benefit residents by ensuring safety for pedestrians.

Zelie on ice

Live ice sculpting will return once again to downtown Zelienople’s Small Business Saturday, an event which celebrates the town’s business district with a variety of winter- and holiday-themed activities.

That demonstration, which Zelienople Area Business Association will organize along with other festivities, was first offered at Small Business Saturday in 2020. This year’s event is Nov. 26.

“We’re just interacting with people all day long,” said Dan Fritch, who serves business association president. “And we have ice sculptures, which kids love.”