Senator Hosts Coatesville Workshop Addressing Poverty and PA Considers Moving Primary

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🍽️ Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop Aims to Unify Community

🗳️ Pennsylvania Considers Moving Presidential Primary

🎄 Downingtown Gears Up for Annual Good Neighbor Christmas Tree Lighting

🧑‍⚖️ Chester County Jury Returns Mixed Verdict in Deadly Stabbing Case

🚨 West Chester Residents Arrested

🦅 Birds’ First Lost of the Season: Beaten by Jets

🏈 Chester Stuns Downingtown West in Impressive Victory

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop Aims to Unify Community in Addressing Economic Disparities

A "Bridges Out of Poverty" workshop is scheduled to take place on October 26 at Coatesville City Hall, hosted by the Chester County Bridges Coalition and State Senator Carolyn Comitta. The workshop aims to create a common understanding of poverty, explore its root causes, and develop community-based solutions to address and alleviate poverty in Chester County. It is an initiative designed to challenge existing perceptions of poverty and promote changes at individual, institutional, and community levels by fostering a deeper understanding of its origins and impacts. The Chester County Bridges Coalition comprises three local non-profit organizations: Orion Communities, The Crime Victims Center of Chester County, and Kennett Area Community Service, all working together to address basic needs insecurity and provide assistance to disadvantaged community members. Registration is required for the workshop, with a limit of 30 participants, and interested individuals can secure their spot by RSVPing online.

Pennsylvania Considers Moving Presidential Primary to Gain Relevance in Candidate Selection

Pennsylvania is often overlooked during presidential primary elections due to its late primary date, but legislation is now under consideration to move the state's primary to an earlier date, potentially in March. State Sen. David Argall has proposed a bill to move the primary to March 19, gaining bipartisan support. Proponents argue that this change would make Pennsylvania more relevant in the presidential nomination process and allow its voters to have a say in candidate selection. However, some concerns exist about campaigns starting during the holiday season. The decision must be made quickly to provide sufficient time for election preparations.

Downingtown Gears Up for Annual Good Neighbor Christmas Tree Lighting

Downingtown's Good Neighbor Christmas Tree Lighting is set to return on November 25, 2023, offering an enchanting evening of festivities for the community. The event will feature music, refreshments, and activities for all ages. Santa Claus will make a special appearance to light the Christmas tree, followed by Christmas carols that will fill the air with the holiday spirit. The event is free and will be held at the Log House. It's a beloved tradition that unites the Downingtown community in the joy of the holiday season.

Chester County Jury Returns Mixed Verdict in Lincoln University Student's Deadly Stabbing Case

A Chester County jury, after deliberating for over nine hours, has delivered a verdict in the case involving the fatal stabbing of Jawine Evans in a Lincoln University dormitory last year. The jury found the defendant, Nydira Smith, not guilty of murder but convicted her of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault. The incident occurred on February 16, 2022, when Smith claimed self-defense in the face of escalating violence between her brother, Malik Stevens, and his friends, and a group of individuals affiliated with Evans.

According to the prosecution, Smith traveled over an hour and a half from her home in Mount Airy to Lincoln University, armed with a knife, in an effort to intervene in the fight, resulting in her stabbing Evans and two other students. The prosecution argued that Smith and her brother were not in imminent danger of death or severe bodily harm until she introduced the knife. They further alleged that Smith tried to conceal her actions after the fact, disposing of the weapon and fabricating a self-defense narrative. In contrast, Smith's defense contended that she carried the knife for personal protection due to a past traumatic experience, called campus security before her arrival, and claimed that the fight ceased only after she stabbed Evans, fleeing out of fear of retaliation. Smith's sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

West Chester Resident Arrested on Assault Charges by WCPD

On September 28, 2023, local law enforcement arrested Roderick Strickland, a West Chester resident, following an incident that occurred around 1:00 PM on the same day. According to a criminal complaint, the West Chester Police Department (WCPD) responded to an assault report in the rear of the 400 block of Hannum Avenue. The victim sustained physical injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

An ensuing investigation led to the identification of Strickland as the alleged assailant. He is a 52-year-old West Chester resident. Following his apprehension, Strickland was processed and subsequently transported to Chester County Prison for arraignment. The charges filed against him include aggravated assault and harassment, among other related offenses.

The preliminary hearing for this case is currently pending at District Court 15-1-01. Further details concerning the incident and the charges will be revealed as part of the court proceedings. The incident has been logged under Report ID WC-23-30090, and the WCPD encourages anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. It's important to note that the arrest and criminal complaint do not constitute a declaration of guilt, as a suspect or defendant is considered innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.

Disturbance in East Goshen Township Leads to Arrest

The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department swiftly responded to a disturbance on the 1400 Block of Center Street in East Goshen Township on Tuesday. Upon arrival at the scene, officers interviewed an 18-year-old female resident who reported being assaulted and exhibited injuries consistent with her allegations.

Consequently, 20-year-old Liam Dubuc was taken into custody and has since been charged with aggravated assault, along with other related offenses. Dubuc is currently incarcerated at Chester County Prison, where bail has been established at $50,000.

Birds’ First Lost of the Season: Beaten by Jets

In an uncharacteristically tough game, marred by injuries and inconsistent play, the Eagles had a chance to secure a win against the Jets. However, quarterback Jalen Hurts' third interception proved to be their undoing.

On a third-and-9 from their own territory with just under two minutes left and a narrow two-point lead, the Eagles needed one more conversion to seal the victory. Unfortunately, Hurts threw into heavy traffic, and safety Tony Adams intercepted the pass, returning it 45 yards. The Jets scored on the next play, securing their first-ever victory against the Eagles, with a final score of 20-14.

The Eagles' pass protection took a hit when right tackle Lane Johnson left the game with an ankle injury, leading to noticeable difficulties. Despite a few standout moments, including a strong showing from wide receiver A.J. Brown, the Eagles couldn't overcome the turnovers and suffered their first loss of the season.

In the injury department, Johnson's absence was a significant blow, and other players, including Eli Ricks, Bradley Roby, Reed Blankenship, and Dallas Goedert, also sustained injuries. The Eagles now face the challenge of bouncing back from this defeat.

Chester High Stuns Downingtown West in Impressive Victory

Chester High's football team achieved an unexpected victory over Downingtown West, a top-seeded team in District 1 Class 6A, with a score of 28-19. This triumph propelled Chester to the top of the PIAA District 1 Class 5A rankings and marked a significant moment in their program's history. Chester's defense was instrumental, forcing three fumbles, while strong running and relentless pressure contributed to their win. The victory established Chester as a strong contender in the district championship, showcasing their confidence and potential for success. This win marked a significant milestone for Chester's football program and has set them on a promising path for the season.