🔥 Firefighters Tackle Multiple Structure Fire at Golf Zone in West Brandywine Township

🎉 Happy New Year! Letter from the Publisher

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🔥 Firefighters Tackle Multiple Structure Fire at Golf Zone in West Brandywine Township

👨‍⚖️ Chester County Welcomes New Judges and Officials in Weekend Swearing-In

🥁 West Chester University Band Marks Historic Rose Parade Debut

❄️ Snow on the Horizon: Weekend Storm Promises Relief from 23-Month Snow Drought in PA

🦮 K-9 Insights: ATF Showcases Law Enforcement Dynamics to DASD Students

🚨 Coatesville Break-In Suspect Surrenders: Accused of Watching Child Sleep

🚨 Charges Filed Against in Connection with Tragic Street Racing Crash

🎧 Podcast Chronicles Chilling Legacy of Chester County's Johnston Gang

🎉 Happy New Year! Letter from the Publisher 🎉

HAPPY 2024!

As I reflect back on the year 2023, I think about all that happened and all the great projects that were launched, especially this one, the Downingtown local pulse!

As you may know, we launched Downingtown Local Pulse as a daily newsletter focusing on the news that’s most relevant to Downingtown Residents on a local level.

In my own business, Igniter Creative, we launched a new project, The Chester County Creators' Studio which I'll be sharing more about soon, but look forward to some great collaboration between the Local Pulse and the Creators' Studio.

As we head into 2024 it’s my honor and privilege to keep our local neighbors informed about what is going on on the township, borough, and city level. We have some great ideas planned but in the meantime remain committed to bringing you the daily news each day of the week!

And as usual, we want to hear from you! Feel free to send feedback, news ideas, and any questions. And of course, if you're a local business or organization interested in a partnership- contact us for our media kit!

The growth this year has been tremendous and we look forward to a great 2024!

Sean Deminski
Publisher of Downingtown Local Pulse

Firefighters Tackle Multiple Structure Fire at Golf Zone in West Brandywine Township

Early Sunday morning, a fire ignited at Golf Zone in West Brandywine Township, Chester County. Emergency responders, as depicted in body cam footage, quickly engaged with the flames that spread across multiple structures, including the main building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Chester County Welcomes New Judges and Officials in Weekend Swearing-In

Newly-elected officials and judges in Chester County, including three commissioners and five judges on the Court of Common Pleas, were sworn in during a weekend ceremony at the Chester County Justice Center. The event marked a historic increase in the number of judges, with President Judge John Hall noting its significance in the court's history.

West Chester University Band Marks Historic Rose Parade Debut

West Chester University's "INCOMPARABLE" Golden Rams Marching Band made history as the first PASSHE band in the 135th Rose Parade. With over 20,000 live flowers, their Philly-inspired floats showcased iconic landmarks. The "Road to the Roses" initiative raised $1 million for travel expenses. This diverse band has a rich history, participating in national events and earning the Sudler Trophy in 2019, a prestigious honor for college marching bands.

Snow on the Horizon: Weekend Storm Promises Relief from 23-Month Snow Drought in PA

Southeast Pennsylvania anticipates the end of a 23-month snow drought as a fast-moving winter storm approaches. The storm, originating in the Pacific, is expected to bring plowable snow and rain from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning, offering the best chance for significant winter accumulation in nearly two years. The amount of snowfall will depend on the storm's trajectory, with some areas likely to see only rain.

K-9 Insights: ATF Showcases Law Enforcement Dynamics to DASD Students

Students at Downingtown Area School District (DASD) experienced an educational session with Lily, a 3-year-old yellow lab from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), renowned for her expertise in explosive and gunshot residue detection. The event, held on December 21, 2024, aimed to provide insights into law enforcement, career development opportunities, and the significant role of K-9 units.

Coatesville Break-In Suspect Surrenders: Accused of Watching Child Sleep

Jefferson Gonzalez turned himself in after being accused of breaking into a Coatesville home four times to watch a 9-year-old girl sleep. Facing charges including burglary and stalking, his arrest followed the release of surveillance footage. Detective Jose Colon credited a tip for identifying Gonzalez. The impacted family, particularly the girl's mother Tiffany Szabara, expressed relief at the arrest, noting Gonzalez's repeated break-ins since September. The family had been living in fear, with Gonzalez's bond now set at $150,000. Police are also investigating a tip that Gonzalez may have lived on the same street as the family.

Charges Filed Against in Connection with Tragic Street Racing Crash

Brandon Gentile, 20, from Coatesville, is charged in connection with a fatal crash that took the life of 22-year-old Tom Hartenstine on June 4. Allegedly involved in street racing, Gentile's white Subaru and Hartenstine's motorcycle collided, leading to Hartenstine's death. Initially denying racing, Gentile was refuted by traffic cameras. Subsequent investigations revealed drug-related items and firearms in his vehicle. Gentile faces charges including homicide by vehicle, DUI, and firearms offenses. After turning himself in and posting bail, he awaits a January 5 preliminary hearing.

Podcast Chronicles Chilling Legacy of Chester County's Johnston Gang

Amanda Lamb's podcast, "The Killing Month August 1978," delves into the criminal history of Chester County's Johnston Gang from the 1970s. Led by Bruce Johnston Sr., the rural mafia's exploits ranged from theft to murder. Lamb, a Devon native and TV newscaster, explores this dark chapter, featuring interviews and insights from her father, the former district attorney. The podcast creatively weaves together facts, drawing on resources like Bruce E. Mowday's book and the film "At Close Range." It sheds light on the gang's seemingly invincible status, the turning point that led to their downfall, and previously unknown details uncovered during the 1978 investigation, providing a unique and intriguing perspective on local history.