🚨 Arrest in WC Bar Arson | 🏈 Boro Honors Will Howard | 🚜 Annual Farm Guide Available

***Limited Summer Posting Schedule***

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 Man Charged in Arson at West Chester Apartment Above Jake’s Bar

🏈 Borough Honors Will Howard for Championship Season and NFL Draft Selection

🚜 AgConnect Releases Annual Guide Showcasing Over 125 Local Farms

📈 SBA to Host Public Meeting on Veteran Small Business Policies July 15

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Man Charged in Arson at West Chester Apartment Above Jake’s Bar

WEST CHESTER, PA — A 22-year-old man from Marcus Hook is in custody after being charged with setting a fire that tore through an apartment above Jake’s Bar in West Chester. Authorities allege Michael William Thompson Jr. ignited the blaze outside his ex-girlfriend’s apartment early Tuesday morning using a flammable liquid. The fire forced three residents to escape through windows, resulting in one individual suffering life-threatening injuries after a fall. A pet cat was also killed in the incident.

Investigators tied Thompson to the scene through surveillance footage and vehicle tracking, and found accelerants in his car and on clothing. Despite initially denying involvement, he later admitted that the fire had “gotten too big.” He is charged with multiple felonies, including attempted homicide and aggravated arson, and is being held on $750,000 bail. Jake’s Bar, a popular local venue, sustained minimal damage and resumed operations by the end of the week.

Borough Honors Will Howard for Championship Season and NFL Draft Selection

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Downingtown Borough has declared July 9 “Will Howard Day” in recognition of the local quarterback’s remarkable journey from high school standout to NFL player. Will Howard, a former star at Downingtown West High School, went on to lead Ohio State to an undefeated season and a national championship in 2024 before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. During a ceremony attended by local officials, fans, and family, Mayor Phil Dague presented Howard with a proclamation honoring his contributions to sports and the community. The borough praised Howard not only for his achievements on the field but also for remaining a role model and source of pride for Downingtown.

AgConnect Releases Annual Guide Showcasing Over 125 Local Farms

WEST CHESTER, PA — The 2025 Chester County Farm Guide, published by AgConnect, offers a detailed look at the region’s farms, markets, and seasonal products. With listings for over 125 family-owned operations, the guide connects consumers to fresh, local foods and highlights agricultural award recipients, including the Rohrer family and Lisa McNamara. It also includes seasonal recipes and features community events such as the Good Food Fest. Available both in print and online, the guide supports efforts to strengthen local food systems and sustain Chester County’s agricultural heritage.

SBA to Host Public Meeting on Veteran Small Business Policies July 15

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 15, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host its quarterly Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development meeting. Open to the public, the virtual event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and include updates from several federal agencies and advocacy organizations on programs and policies impacting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Led by SBA Associate Administrator Elias Hernandez, the meeting aims to foster collaboration and policy input from both government and industry partners. No advance registration is required, and public comments can be submitted via email ahead of the session.

Upcoming local events…

Multi-Chamber Speed Networking BBQ (Malvern) - July 15th, 11:30am-1:30pm

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 17th, 3pm-6pm

Chris Kasper Band at Broad Run Park (Downingtown) - July 17th, 6pm

Kimberton Summer Concert Series (Phoenixville) - July 17th, 6:30pm

Summer Series Movie Night (Caln) - July 18th, 7:30pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - July 19th, 9am-1pm

Marsh Creek West Ramp - Mountain Bike or Hike, Picnic, Kayaking/SUP, Beer garden (Downingtown) - July 19th, 10:30am-8:30pm

Victory Summer Love Block Party (Downingtown) - July 19th, 11am-6pm

Ice Cream Social at Springton Manor Farm (Glenmoore) - July 20th, 2pm-5pm

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 24th, 3pm-6pm

Christmas in July (Wallace Twp) - July 25th, 6:30pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - July 26th, 9am-1pm

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 31st, 3pm-6pm

The Amazing Spaghetti (Downingtown) - July 31st, 6pm

National Night Out Concert: Chico’s Vibe (Caln twp) - Aug 5th, 6pm

17th Annual Golf Outing and Dinner (Downingtown) - Aug 8th, 11am-8am

Caln Summer Series: Wonka (Caln twp) - Aug 8th, 7:30pm

96th Old Fiddler’s Picnic (Coatesville) - Aug 9th, 10am-4pm

Roots and Blues Festival (Kennett Square) - Aug 9th, 11-6:45pm

1526 WALTON DR Downingtown ($549,900)

43 MAY APPLE DR Downingtown ($425,000)

140 VIADUCT AVE Downingtown ($329,000)

107 LITTLE WASHINGTON RD Downingtown ($450,000)

335 STUART AVE Downingtown ($289,900)

1884 THISTLE CT Downingtown ($435,000)**

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Catch up on previous issues…