🏫 West Chester Illuminates Borough Hall in Solidarity Against Human Trafficking

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

 🏫 West Chester Illuminates Borough Hall in Solidarity Against Human Trafficking

🥫 West Chester University Secures $60,000 Grant to Combat Student Hunger

🛜 Navigating Coatesville: New Website Prioritizes Easy Access to City Resources and Services

❤️ MLK Day Celebrations: Chester County Recognizes Community Leaders with Proclamation

📈 Kennett Township Manager Eden R. Ratliff Announces Departure Amidst Achievements

👮‍♂️ Retired PA State Police Trooper Mark Healey Joins South Coatesville Police for Continued Service

✈️ TSA Reports Increase in Guns Seized at Pennsylvania Airports

🚧 Peck Road Closure and Detour Routes in Uwchlan Township

🗽 Houlahan and Fitzpatrick Propose Act to Honor Benjamin Franklin with Capitol Statue

📆 Upcoming Local Events

West Chester Illuminates Borough Hall in Solidarity Against Human Trafficking

In a symbolic tribute during National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, West Chester adorned Borough Hall with a prominent blue light column. Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste emphasized the significance of collaborative endeavors, pointing to the West Chester Police Department's commitment to training and understanding the realities of human trafficking through survivor interactions. Local social service agencies also contribute to education, survivor support, and prevention efforts. Mayor DeBaptiste underscored the crucial role of community members, including vigilant neighbors, in preventing human trafficking and aiding survivors.

West Chester University Secures $60,000 Grant to Combat Student Hunger

West Chester University has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the 2023-2024 PA Hunger-Free Campus program, aimed at tackling student food insecurity. The grant will empower the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact, which houses the University's Resource Pantry, to enhance services and infrastructure. This includes expanding online ordering, offering evening and weekend food access through locker pickups, and increasing support for off-campus resources. President Chris Fiorentino expressed gratitude for the ongoing commitment to student success, emphasizing the university's dedication to providing essential resources to students on both the main campus and in Philadelphia.

Navigating Coatesville: New Website Prioritizes Easy Access to City Resources and Services

The City of Coatesville has introduced its redesigned website, aiming for enhanced user accessibility and efficient access to key resources and services. Unveiled during the December 11 City Council meeting, the improved site caters to residents, property owners, businesses, and visitor needs. Features include an online chat function, a Resource Directory, and a business section with a step-by-step flow chart. Translated into five languages, the website is a comprehensive hub for transit, parking, trash and recycling, resident living, parks and recreation, and business services. Coatesville's goal is to provide ongoing support, guidance, and updated information for the community.

MLK Day Celebrations: Chester County Recognizes Community Leaders with Proclamation

The Chester County Commissioners bestowed a proclamation upon Carol Black and Dan Cornett of MLK CommUNITY in the Greater Kennett Area, recognizing their contributions ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The upcoming Monday is set to be commemorated with various community service events organized by Chesco organizations across the county. The proclamation highlights the significance of MLK Day and the dedication of individuals and groups in fostering community spirit and service.

Kennett Township Manager Eden R. Ratliff Announces Departure Amidst Achievements

Kennett Township's municipal government veteran, Eden R. Ratliff, announces his departure as township manager since 2019, following the embezzlement scandal involving the former manager. The Board of Supervisors has accepted his resignation, effective Feb. 1. Ratliff, credited with stabilizing the township's finances and professionalizing services, is set to become the deputy city manager in Charlottesville, Va. His tenure saw significant changes, including employee releases and financial stabilization. The township is now tasked with finding a new manager, with interim duties handled by Finance and HR Director Amy Heinrich.

Retired PA State Police Trooper Mark Healey Joins South Coatesville Police for Continued Service

Newly sworn-in Police Officer Mark Healey, a retired PA State Police Trooper with 31 years of service, becomes the 3rd retired trooper to join South Coatesville Police Department. Chief Kevin Pierce and Officer William LaTorre, former colleagues at the Embreeville Station, welcome Healey, expressing eagerness to collaborate once again in combating crime in South Coatesville and Modena Boroughs.

TSA Reports Increase in Guns Seized at Pennsylvania Airports, National Trend Continues

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports a rise in firearm incidents at Pennsylvania airport security checkpoints, with 103 guns detected in 2023, compared to 82 in 2022. Philadelphia International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport saw record-breaking numbers, with 45 and 43 firearms caught, respectively. This aligns with a national trend as the TSA recorded 6,737 guns caught at checkpoints across the country in 2023. Lehigh Valley International Airport had one incident, contrasting with zero in 2022. TSA emphasizes legal travel with firearms in checked bags, provided they follow specific guidelines.

Construction Update: Peck Road Closure and Detour Routes in Uwchlan Township

A construction project will lead to the closure of Peck Road in Uwchlan Township between Brookwood Drive and Good Drive from January 22 to March 27, 2024. Motorists are advised to use the detour route along Fillman Road and Dowlin Forge Road. Planning extra time for navigation is recommended for those traveling in the area.

Houlahan and Fitzpatrick Propose Act to Honor Benjamin Franklin with Capitol Statue

U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan and Brian Fitzpatrick have introduced the Benjamin Franklin Statue Placement Act in Washington, D.C. The act proposes the placement of Benjamin Franklin's statue on the U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center Tour route before 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. The bipartisan bill, supported by 22 colleagues, aims to recognize Franklin's significant impact on the nation's history. Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, and Fitzpatrick, a Bucks County Republican, express pride in Pennsylvania's historical legacy and emphasize Franklin's pivotal role as a founding father.

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