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- 🚨 More Details on WC Shooting | 🚧 Skelp Level Bridge Progress | 🎬 WC Film Festival Line-up
🚨 More Details on WC Shooting | 🚧 Skelp Level Bridge Progress | 🎬 WC Film Festival Line-up
Downingtown Local Pulse Issue #418

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…
☀️ Downingtown PA Weather
🚨 More Details on West Chester Man Accused of Firing at Police
🚧 Construction Progresses on Skelp Level Bridge,
🎬 West Chester Film Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup Featuring Oscar-Winning Shorts
🐑 Springton Manor Farm Hosts Annual Sheep & Wool Day
🗓️ Upcoming Local Events
🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings
🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses



More Details on West Chester Man Accused of Firing at Police

12 S Church, From Google Maps
WEST CHESTER, PA — A 24-year-old West Chester man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly firing a gun at borough police officers during a mental health crisis intervention. The incident began after a concerned Uber driver reported the man’s suicidal comments. Officers initially visited his apartment and left without issue, but returned later that day at the request of a local crisis center to initiate an involuntary commitment.
Authorities say the man, William McGillan, opened fire after briefly speaking with officers at his door. One officer returned fire as the team retreated down a stairwell. McGillan then fled to the rooftops and was taken into custody about an hour later. The firearm was recovered nearby, its magazine empty.
No one was physically injured during the exchange. McGillan was taken to the hospital for evaluation and is now being held without bail. He faces charges including attempted homicide and assault of law enforcement officers. An investigation by Chester County Detectives is ongoing. Full Story at DailyLocal.com
Construction Progresses on Skelp Level Bridge, Opening Planned for Late Fall
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EAST CALN, PA — Work on the Skelp Level Bridge in East Caln Township continues on schedule, with completion expected in late fall. A temporary utility bridge has been installed and now supports relocated utility lines. With those in place, the old bridge has been removed, and site preparations are underway for the new structure.
The replacement bridge is currently being fabricated in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and will be brought to the site and installed later this year. The project marks a significant infrastructure improvement for the area, aiming to restore full traffic flow before winter.
West Chester Film Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup Featuring Oscar-Winning Shorts

WEST CHESTER, PA — The 2025 West Chester Film Festival will showcase 67 short films from a variety of cultures and genres over the weekend of April 25 to 27. Held at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, the festival offers a full slate of screenings, panels, and pop-up events that highlight storytelling from across the globe.
This year’s featured films include In the Shadow of the Cypress, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Short, and The Last Ranger, an Oscar-nominated drama from South Africa. Other highlights include LYZ, a comedy-drama exploring mental health, and The Third Country, a documentary about young Burmese refugees.
Additional selections include Crust, a light-hearted family tale, and Beside Myself, a poetic film experiment inviting audience participation. The complete schedule and ticket details can be found on the festival's website.

Springton Manor Farm Hosts Annual Sheep + Wool Day This May

GLENMOORE, PA — Springton Manor Farm will host its annual Sheep + Wool Day on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features sheep shearing, fiber arts demos, food trucks, wagon rides, animal exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Admission and parking are free.
More Upcoming local events…
Two Lights for Tomorrow (Chester County) - April 18th
Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - April 26th, 10am-12pm
The 19th Annual West Chester Film Festival (West Chester) - April 26th-27th
Historic Yellow Springs Art Sale (Chester Springs) - April 26th-May 11th
Puttin' Fore Paws (Downingtown) - April 28th, 12pm
Springton Manor Sheep and Wool Day (Glenmoore) - May 3rd, 11am-3pm
Monthly Real Estate Investor Meet up (West Chester) - May 14th, 6:45pm-8:30pm
Chester County Sustainability Summit (West Chester) - May 17th, 10am-2pm
West Bradford Day (Downingtown) - May 18th, 12pm-4pm
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