In Today’s Special Saturday Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

👨‍⚖️ AG Campaign Under More Scrutiny

🚁 Downingtown Man Guilty of Using Drone for Hunting

🚨 High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Four-Vehicle Crash

💗 American Heart Association Honors ChesCo Gov

🫀 Thorndale Fire Company Hosts Blood Drive

💉 Uwchlan Township Police Adds Medication Disposal Box

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Democrat AG Campaign Under More Scrutiny: Election Code Violation Added to Forgery Allegations

Allegations surrounding Pennsylvania Democrat auditor general candidate Mark Pinsley's (D) nominating petitions intensify as suspicions of an election code violation are added to forged signature claims. Questions arise as the circulator of Pinsley's petitions is reported to be a registered Independent, potentially violating state Election Code regulations. Pinsley responds, citing common party affiliation changes among circulators and emphasizing the need for a thorough examination. The controversy follows earlier allegations of forged signatures, including those of elected officials. Investigations are ongoing.

Downingtown Man Guilty of Using Drone for Hunting

A Chester County resident, Joshua Wingenroth, is at the center of a landmark case after being found guilty of using a drone for hunting in a sting operation by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This marks the first citation in the state for such an offense. Wingenroth, fined $1,500, plans to appeal, citing uncertainties in the Game Commission's rules on drone use. The incident occurred at the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve, where Wingenroth, operating Wingy Drone Services, was contacted by a hunter claiming to have wounded a deer.

Allegations include disturbing wildlife and using an artificial light from the drone during the statewide firearms deer season when spotlight use is prohibited. Wingenroth's attorney, Michael Siddons, argued that the drone was used solely for locating what Wingenroth believed was a dead deer, with a signed waiver from the hunter agreeing not to hunt the animal if found alive until another day.

The case has prompted State Sen. Jarrett Coleman to announce plans for legislation legalizing the use of electronic aids, including drones, for game recovery. The ruling has ignited debates over the clarity of Game Commission regulations on drone use for deer recovery. Mike Yoder, owner of Drone Deer Recovery, expressed concerns about the impact on drone pilots and Pennsylvania hunters, questioning statements made during the trial regarding combining recovery with hunting.

Travis Lau, communications director for the Game Commission, maintained the unified position that hunting and recovery are one and the same, emphasizing the need for notification when tracking game after dark.

High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Four-Vehicle Crash: Trooper and Three Others Hospitalized

A pursuit on US 30 East in West Whiteland Township led to a four-vehicle crash, involving Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) trooper Craig A. Fry and a fleeing driver, Syrron N. Hovington. The pursuit, initiated as Hovington failed to yield to an emergency vehicle, culminated in a collision when Trooper Fry attempted to apprehend him.

The impact propelled Hovington's vehicle into a commercial tractor-trailer, resulting in a jackknife situation in the southbound lanes. Subsequently, the force of the collision caused Hovington's vehicle to strike a stationary Mercedes-Benz sedan driven by Veronica Hoof, who was waiting at a traffic light.

Veronica Hoof emerged uninjured, while Trooper Fry, the Florida trucker, Hovington, and Hovington's passenger, Mickayla A. Sweigart, were taken to Paoli Hospital with suspected minor injuries. All four vehicles involved in the crash were towed from the scene.

Despite the incident, Trooper Fry was not charged with speeding. However, court records revealed Hovington faced multiple charges, including felonies for fleeing, illegal firearm possession, receiving stolen property, aggravated assault by vehicle, and drug offenses. Hovington's criminal history included charges for trespassing and harassment in 2023 and 2021, respectively.

Post-crash, Hovington was taken into custody the day after being released from the hospital and is currently held in Chester County Prison on $35,000 bail. His formal arraignment is scheduled for March 29.

American Heart Association Honors Chester County Government with Platinum for Employee Health

Chester County Government receives Platinum recognition from the American Heart Association for its commitment to employee well-being, marking the second consecutive year of this achievement. The county's high standing in the AHA's Workforce Well-Being Scorecard, which assesses organizations nationwide, reflects its dedication to employee health. County officials express pride in the acknowledgment, emphasizing ongoing support for employee well-being through innovative wellness programs and collaborative initiatives.

Thorndale Fire Company Hosts Blood Drive – Sign Up Today to Make a Difference!

Thorndale Fire Company urges community members to participate in an upcoming blood drive by securing a time slot through the provided link. The initiative emphasizes the importance of community involvement and encourages spreading the word about this essential event.

Uwchlan Township Police Encourage Responsible Medication Disposal with Secure Box

Uwchlan Township Police Department reminds residents of the secure medication disposal box in the station's lobby. Accessible during business hours or by contacting an officer after hours, the initiative aims to facilitate responsible medication disposal.

Catch up on previous issues…

Newly Listed Homes:

1296 Marshallton Thorndale Road, Downingtown, PA

566 Whitford Hills Road, Exton, PA

613 Brainerd Place, Exton, PA

1224 Clearbrook Road, West Chester, PA

Upcoming Local Events…

• Home Composting Workshop - Feb 24th, 10am

• Kennett Winterfest - Feb 24th, 12:30pm-4pm

• Attatoba Clayworks: Night of Music - Feb 24th, 7pm

• OCHS Presents - The Thorndale Coal Wharf - Feb 25th, 2pm

• Designer Bag Bingo - March 2nd, 7-10pm

• The Hidden History of Milford Mills - March 4th, 6pm

• Healthcare Hiring Event - March 6th, 11am-3pm

• Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour - March 7th, 5pm-7pm

• Joe Conklin Night of Comedy For Our Heroes - March 8th, 6-10pm

• Invasive Plant Clean-up at Broad Run Park - March 9th, 9am-12pm

• Downingtown Repair Café - March 9th, 10am-2pm

• St. Matthew’s Consignment Sale - March 15th 5pm-8pm, 16th 8am-12:30pm

• UUT First Aid / CPR Training Class - March 16th, 2pm-4pm

• Upper Uwchlan Egg Hunt - March 23rd, 11am

• Wallace Twp Egg Hunt - March 23rd, 11:30am

Catch up on previous issues…