⛈️ Chester County Grapples with Aftermath of Powerful Storm

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

🌤️ Downingtown PA

⛈️ Chester County Grapples with Aftermath of Powerful Storm: Widespread Outages and Emergency Responses

🚨 19-Year-Old from Parkesburg Indicted for Clermont Co. Swatting: False Shooting Reports and White House Threat

🏅 Community Warehouse Project and David’s Drive 831 Honored for Helping Veterans in Housing Transition

🚨 Berwyn Home Invasion Sparks Joint Investigation by Local and Federal Agencies

👨‍⚖️ Guilty Plea in West Goshen Political Vandalism Case: Republican Activist Admits to Sign Defacement

🏈 High School Football Icon Mike Milano Steps Down After 21 Years at Downingtown West

👮‍♂️ Sheriff Dykes Welcomes New Face and Future Talent to Chester County Sheriff's Office

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Chester County Grapples with Aftermath of Powerful Storm: Widespread Outages and Emergency Responses

A powerful storm struck Chester County, bringing down trees, branches, and causing extensive power outages. The Chester County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) responded to numerous incidents, including water rescues, trees falling on houses, and downed power lines. Residents are reminded to report outages, respect road closures, and exercise caution near water bodies. PECO reported over 52,000 customers without power, with additional personnel called in to expedite restoration efforts. West Chester Police and Fire Departments handled over 100 calls during the storm, with various school districts opting for closures or online learning due to the severe weather. The National Weather Service warns of a potential storm on the horizon, bringing more challenges for the already weather-battered region.

19-Year-Old from Parkesburg Indicted for Clermont Co. Swatting: False Shooting Reports and White House Threat

Michael Carpenter, a 19-year-old from Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, is facing charges for "swatting" hoaxes, which included falsely reporting shootings and a White House threat in Clermont County. Indicted on a single count of swatting, Carpenter is sought for extradition to Clermont County based on calls he made to Ohio law enforcement in November. The first incident involved a false report of shooting his brother and restraining his mother, followed by a fabricated threat to the White House with "pressure bombs" and a hostage situation. While federal court records do not currently show charges for the White House threat, Carpenter is implicated in swatting offenses in Ohio. Swatting is considered a fourth-degree felony in the state, potentially escalating to a second-degree felony if serious harm results.

Community Warehouse Project and David’s Drive 831 Honored for Helping Veterans in Housing Transition

Coatesville VA recognizes the Community Warehouse Project and David’s Drive 831 with a Coin of Excellence for their significant contributions in supporting homeless veterans transitioning into permanent housing. The partnerships, celebrated on December 1, demonstrate the vital role of community collaboration in providing essential support beyond medical care.

Berwyn Home Invasion Sparks Joint Investigation by Local and Federal Agencies

Local authorities, in collaboration with the FBI, are actively investigating a home invasion that occurred in Berwyn on South Leopard Road during the early hours of Monday. The incident involved the theft of cash, jewelry, and the victims' vehicle. While the suspects are believed to have traveled in the vicinity of Central and Lancaster avenues in Berwyn, no injuries were reported.

The police have characterized the incident as isolated, reassuring the public that there is no perceived threat to the general community. In efforts to gather information, individuals who witnessed anything suspicious between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on Monday are encouraged to reach out to Easttown Township Detectives at 610-341-9780 or Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6886.

Guilty Plea in West Goshen Political Vandalism Case: Republican Activist Admits to Sign Defacement

Paul Linkmeyer, a West Goshen activist, has pleaded guilty to criminal mischief charges stemming from the defacement of campaign signs belonging to two Democratic candidates during the municipal election. The guilty plea acknowledges Linkmeyer's act of writing incendiary slurs on the signs, connecting them to the death of a former township employee, David Woodward. The charges were categorized as a regrettable mistake by Linkmeyer.

The judge imposed a $300 fine, the maximum penalty for the summary charge, recognizing that no fine could adequately compensate the victims—Supervisors Shawn Walsh and Nate Wolman—for the distress caused. Despite Linkmeyer's claim of a one-time mistake, the victims expressed disappointment in the absence of a personal apology since his arrest.

High School Football Icon Mike Milano Steps Down After 21 Years at Downingtown West

Mike Milano, the highly regarded head coach of Downingtown West's football program, announces retirement after a remarkable 21-year career. Milano, one of Pennsylvania's longest-tenured high school coaches, achieved a notable 211-131-1 won-loss record. His coaching legacy includes District 1 titles at Unionville in 1993 and Downingtown West in 2019.

Sheriff Dykes Welcomes New Face and Future Talent to Chester County Sheriff's Office

Chester County Sheriff's Office welcomes Deputy Frank Imparato and announces the addition of trainee deputies Nicholas Fernandez, Ernesto Pineda, and Angel Chimal Rodriguez. The trainees will undergo comprehensive law enforcement training, with plans to assume sworn deputy roles in June 2024, enhancing the Sheriff's Office's capabilities and ensuring public safety.

Upcoming Local Events…

• MLK Day Winter Walk - Jan 15th, 10am

• Repair Café @ Central Presbyterian Church (Downingtown) - Jan 13th 10am-2pm

• 2024 OIC Opportunity Fair - Jan 23rd, 11am-2:30pm

• Downingtown WINTER farmers market - Jan 13th, 27th 10am-12pm

• RWCC Ringing’-In Mingle @ Downingtown Country Club - Jan 13th 8:45am