🚨 Man Faces Trial For Assault | 🚨 Mail Theft Duo Apprehended | 🦮 Lt. Earns Prestigious Award

In Today’s Special Saturday Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 Man Faces Trial for Alleged Minor Assault in Chester County

🚨 Mail Theft Duo Apprehended

🦮 Lt. Janis Pickell Earns Prestigious Child Victim Advocacy Award

🌯 🚘 Chipotle Unveils Innovative "Chipotlane" with Thorndale Store Opening

🧢 ⚾️ West Chester Baseball League Unveils Upgrades

❄️ 👟 Downingtown Gears Up for the Annual Snowball Shuffle

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Philadelphia Man Faces Trial for Alleged Sexual Assault in Chester County

The trial has begun for a Philadelphia man accused of sexually assaulting his young son during visits to the child’s mother in Parkesburg. The 59-year-old faces multiple charges and has been held in custody since his arrest in November 2021. The trial, anticipated to last four days, includes the testimony of the child, who is now expected to testify. The defense contested the admission of a taped interview with the child, conducted by Chester County Detective Gerald Davis Jr., but the judge ruled in favor of its inclusion.

Chester and Montgomery Counties Mail Theft Duo Apprehended

Joshua Hartmann and Jessica Zipkin have been arrested in connection with a massive mail theft scheme affecting over 100 victims in Chester and Montgomery counties. The suspects, taken into custody in Spring City, Pennsylvania, were apprehended after an extensive investigation. Authorities discovered 786 pieces of stolen mail linked to 143 victims in the suspects' trash. Stolen items included credit cards and packages, with some victims experiencing identity-related crimes. Both suspects now face multiple charges, and the investigation involves law enforcement from various jurisdictions.

Lt. Janis Pickell Earns Prestigious Child Victim Advocacy Award for Dedication and Compassion

Lieutenant Janis Pickell from the Chester County Sheriff's Office in PA has been awarded the John Crane Child Victim Advocacy Award by The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, Inc. The recognition is attributed to Lt. Pickell's commendable work, notably with comfort dog Marley, who supports victims during court testimonies.

Chipotle Unveils Innovative "Chipotlane" with Thorndale Store Opening

Chester County anticipates the grand opening of a new Chipotle on Feb. 28, located at 3203 E. Lincoln Highway. The restaurant brings about 30 job opportunities to the community, featuring a convenient drive-through pickup lane, "Chipotlane," for speedy online order retrieval. Operating hours are from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Excitement Builds as West Chester Baseball League Unveils Upgrades for the Season

As the West Chester Adult Baseball League prepares for its May 11 opening day at Farley Field in Hoopes Park, several notable changes are underway. The league is addressing concerns raised by residents by installing a 90-foot long, 35-foot tall nylon net to prevent foul balls from damaging neighboring cars. Last year's parking issues, which led to restricted access to Hoopes Park during parts of June and July, prompted the league to make additional improvements.

In response to borough requirements, the league is installing a meter for the new irrigation system, adding railings to a league-sponsored set of steps, and making plans to replace 30-year-old wooden dugouts with concrete ones. The outdated scoreboard at Hoopes Park is also set for an upgrade to wireless technology, partially funded by the borough.

League Director Charlie Cooper expresses excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the league's commitment to maintaining the baseball diamond at Hoopes Park, their home since 1956. Councilman Brian McGinnis commends the league's plan for striking a balance between field upgrades and residents' concerns about balls landing in their yards.

Downingtown Gears Up for the Annual Snowball Shuffle

Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown (CTC) announces the return of the Snowball Shuffle, a 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk, set for March 2, 2024, at Eagleview Town Center. Open to all, the event encourages community unity, with registration at $30 per person. The fee includes a long sleeve sweatshirt, access to a hot chocolate bar, a s'mores station, and more. Prizes are up for grabs in categories like Best Costume and Most Team Spirit. CTC expresses gratitude to sponsors and local businesses supporting the event.

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

• Snowball Shuffle 5k - March 2nd, 8am

• 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

• Thorndale Fire Co Blood Drive - April 2nd, 1pm-6pm

Catch up on previous issues…