👮‍♀️ DASD 'Making Connections’ | 📢 Hearing for Armed Protest Attendee | 🍺 D-Town Brew-Down Returns | 💊 Take-Back Event

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

👮‍♀️ Students Meet Officers ‘Making Connections’ Program

📢 Hearing Held for Illegally Armed Protest Attendee

🍺 D-Town Brew-Down Returns to Raise Funds for Downingtown Library

💊 Medication Take-Back Event October 25

🎙️ New Podcast Episode: Good 2 Know in Chester County

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Students Meet Officers in Relaxed Setting at Downingtown’s ‘Making Connections’ Program

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — As part of its “Making Connections” initiative, the Downingtown Area School District held events at STEM Academy and Downingtown High School East that allowed students to engage with local police officers in informal settings. Officers Maureen Rae and James Gallagher led discussions on topics ranging from juvenile law to public safety, with the goal of fostering trust and reducing barriers between students and law enforcement. At East, the event also included a casual game of kickball. The program, run through the district’s Office of Student Relations and School Climate, is part of a broader effort to encourage respectful, open dialogue and strengthen community ties.

Hearing Held for No Kings Protest Attendee For Illegally Carrying Arms

WEST CHESTER, PA — A magistrate in West Chester ordered Kevin Krebs, 31, held for trial on a felony charge alleging he carried a loaded handgun concealed at a “No Kings” protest this spring. Testimony at the brief hearing recounted officers’ discovery of a firearm on the defendant at the rally. A later search of the Frazer home he shared with his brother turned up 13 improvised explosive devices — several with timers and electric matches — which a bomb squad confiscated and rendered safe.

Authorities subsequently charged Krebs with a series of felony counts tied to the explosives, including illegal possession of weapons of mass destruction, possession of instruments of crime, causing a catastrophe and recklessly endangering others. Police also reported recovering roughly two dozen firearms, a homemade silencer, a 3‑D printer and apparent conversion devices that could alter weapons to fire automatically. Prosecutors and defense attorneys delayed earlier hearings while awaiting any possible federal involvement; as of the most recent hearing, the gun charge is being pursued in state court and the defendant remains incarcerated without bail.

Another “No Kings” rally is scheduled for this upcoming weekend.

D-Town Brew-Down Returns to Raise Funds for Downingtown Library

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — On October 25, the Downingtown Library will host its 7th annual D-Town Brew-Down, a fundraiser that brings together community members for an evening of homebrewed beer tasting, judged by professionals. Held at Minquas Fire Company No. 2, the event supports the library’s efforts to expand its services, staffing, and physical space to meet growing demand, especially among children's programs. Serving over 53,000 Chester County residents, the library uses proceeds from the Brew-Down to supplement public funding and invest in long-term growth. Tickets are available online, with several participation levels, and guests must be 21+ to sample the brews.

Chester County Hosts Medication Take-Back Event October 25

EXTON, PA —On Saturday, October 25, Chester County will host a medication take-back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two drop-off sites: Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital and the West Whiteland Township Police Department. The initiative encourages safe disposal of expired or unused medications to reduce the risk of misuse and environmental harm. In addition to the one-day event, residents can access secure medication drop boxes year-round at multiple locations throughout the county. More information is available at chesco.org/2673/Medication-Disposal.

Good 2 Know in Chester County | Ep 13 | Zack’s Automotive

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — For over a decade, Zach’s Automotive Services in Romansville has stood out as a local business built on honesty and hands-on care. Run by Zach and Missy, the shop handles everything from inspections to complex repairs across all makes and models. But what sets them apart is their approach—offering transparency, education, and individualized service. Customers often come in for second opinions and stay for the trust they build with Zach, who’s known for walking them through what repairs are actually necessary. Missy’s business acumen complements Zach’s mechanical skill, and together they’ve earned a reputation in Chester County for integrity in an often-misunderstood industry. Subscribe to ChesterCounty.TV

Upcoming local events…

Lionville Fire Company Open House (Lionville) - Oct 16, 6pm-8pm

The Great Pumpkin Carve (Chadds Ford) - Oct 16, 2pm-9pm; Oct 17, 2pm-10pm; Oct 18, 12pm-10pm

The Luminary Night Hike at Chambers Lake (Hibernia Park) - Oct 17, 5pm-7pm

Pumpkin Palooza (Hibernia Park) - Oct 17, 5pm-7pm; Oct 18, 3pm-6pm

Eagle Fall Festival (Downingtown) - Oct 18, 9am-1pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - Oct 18, 9am-1pm

Exton Park Fall Fest (Exton) - Oct 18, 11am-3pm

Caln Clean-Up Crew Litter Pick Up (Caln) - Oct 18, 1pm-3pm

F4 West Chester Chili Cook-off *RAINDATE** (West Chester) - Oct 19, 12pm-4pm

Hibernia Dam Walking Tours (Coatesville) - Oct 23, 2 & 3:30pm, Oct 25, 9am & 10:30am

Fall 4×4 Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 10am-1pm

D-Town Brew-Down (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 11am-3pm

Fall Festival at Highland Orchards (West Chester) - Oct 25, 11am-4pm

Caln Twp Halloween Party (Caln) - Oct 25, 1pm-3pm

Upper Uwchlan Trunk or Treat (Chester Springs) - Oct 25, 3pm-5pm

CCCC Trunk or Treat (Caln) - Oct 26, 2pm-4pm

Educational Trunk-or-Treat (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 4pm-5:30pm

Haunted History Hike (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 6pm-8pm

Two New Ways for Local Businesses to Shine in the Downingtown Local Pulse

Downingtown is built on the strength of its small businesses — the shops, restaurants, services, and makers that give our community its unique character. Now, there are two new ways for those businesses to get in front of thousands of engaged local readers through the Downingtown Local Pulse.

We’re introducing two promotional programs designed to give businesses year-round visibility and meaningful connections with our audience:

1. Partner Program

This package gives businesses a featured listing in our Local Business Directory, making it easy for residents to find and support you. Partners also receive:

• A monthly Business Spotlight article that tells your story.

• A pinned article on our website for maximum visibility.

• Exposure to our massive Facebook audience, with each feature shared across our highly engaged social channels.

2. Patron Program

For businesses ready to take their visibility to the next level, the Patron Program includes everything in the Partner Program plus:

• A top-level ad placement one issue a month, ensuring your brand stays front and center.

Both programs are built to keep your business in the local conversation month after month — not just as an ad, but as a valued part of the community’s story.

Whether you’re a family-run shop, a growing startup, or a well-established local favorite, these programs offer an affordable way to boost your visibility while supporting the Downingtown Local Pulse’s mission to celebrate the people and businesses that make our town special.

Ready to join? Upgrade here to start reaching Downingtown’s most loyal readers.

Catch up on previous issues…