💊 Eye Doctor Surrenders License Over Illegal Prescriptions | 🍦🍕 Restauranteur opens Ice Cream West Chester

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🌧️💨 Incoming Weather System Raises Alarm for Flooding, Strong Winds

💊 Eye Doctor Surrenders License Over Illegal Prescriptions

🍰 Master's Baker Prepares to Unveil New Mural

🚆🚧 Amtrak Launches Rail Improvement Project in Chester County

🚧 Road Construction to Cause Delays on U.S. 322

♻️ West Bradford Township Manager's Update

🍦🍕 Speer Madanat Ventures into Desserts with Ice Cream West Chester

✉️ Inmate Accused of Attempted Witness Intimidation

🍺🍸 Woman Arrested for DUI After Found Asleep at Wheel with Child in Car

🚨 Man Sentenced for Weapons Offenses in Drive-By Shooting Case

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Incoming Weather System Raises Alarm for Flooding, Strong Winds

CHESTER COUNTY — As a storm approaches the region, forecasters have heightened concerns over increased rainfall and flooding risks. The briefing package issued for the impending weather event indicates a notable uptick in precipitation along the I-95 corridor. This escalation in rainfall raises the probability of river flooding, particularly in regions such as northern New Jersey and lower Delaware River tributaries. Projections suggest minor flooding in these areas, with the potential for moderate river flooding, particularly within the Passaic and Raritan basins.

Aside from the flooding threats, the storm is anticipated to bring additional hazards including gusty winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous marine conditions. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, heed weather advisories, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and mitigate potential damage from the impending storm.

West Chester Eye Doctor Surrenders License Over Illegal Oxycodone Prescriptions

WEST CHESTER — Brian Bigler, a West Chester physician, has voluntarily surrendered his medical license following his admission of guilt in illegally prescribing Oxycodone painkillers. Court records indicate that over a period spanning from 2013 to 2018, Bigler authored 202 prescriptions for Oxycodone, a portion of which he retained for personal consumption after others had filled them.

Bigler's acknowledgment of guilt came as he pleaded guilty last November to charges encompassing acquiring a controlled substance through fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy. The sentencing resulted in a seven-year probation term, with the initial six months to be served under house arrest.

West Chester's Master's Baker Prepares to Unveil New Mural

WEST CHESTER — Master's Baker in West Chester is set to enhance its facade with a new mural project, adding to the borough's artistic flair. Muralist Erica Dehart will transform the bakery's east-facing wall into a captivating tableau, offering a view from within the bakery out onto the vibrant town of West Chester.

After four years in development, the project received unanimous approval from the borough council following eight months of collaborative efforts with officials. Using exterior mural latex paints, Dehart plans to create a visually striking scene featuring cakes adorned with flowers set amidst oversized Pennsylvania native flora.

Chad Weldon, the bakery's owner, emphasized the importance of murals in fostering community pride and preserving historical moments through art. With painting set to commence in mid-April and completion expected by mid-May, the addition of this mural reflects Master's Baker's longstanding commitment to its customers and the wider West Chester community.

Amtrak Launches Rail Improvement Project in Chester County, Prompting Road Closures

SADSBURY TWP — Amtrak has commenced a comprehensive rail improvement project in Sadsbury Township, Chester County. Beginning April 1 and extending potentially into weekends until June 28, Oak Street will be closed to through traffic on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

During this period, motorists will need to divert their routes, as the segment between Spruce Street and Greenbelt Drive will be inaccessible. Amtrak has devised a detour plan directing drivers along alternate routes, including Old Wilmington Road, Business U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway), Route 82 (Strode Avenue), and Route 372 (Valley Road), with the aim of minimizing disruption and maintaining traffic flow.

Road Construction to Cause Delays on U.S. 322 in Chester County

WEST BRANDYWINE — Road construction on U.S. 322 in Chester County's West Brandywine Township from March 26 to April 26 will cause weekday lane closures between Ramblewood Drive and Andover Road from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Motorists advised to expect delays and plan routes accordingly.

West Bradford Township Manager's Update: Spring Activities and Recycling Initiatives

WEST BRADFORD TWP — In the latest update from the Township Manager, residents are greeted with warm wishes for the arrival of spring and encouraged to embrace the outdoors by visiting local parks and green spaces. As gardening season unfolds, residents of East and West Bradford are reminded of the availability of compost at the Coatesville compost site, with additional assistance for mulch loading provided starting March 30th.

An important highlight of the update is the township's cardboard recycling initiative. Residents are urged to recycle cardboard at the township campus, where the township receives compensation for each ton collected—a stark contrast to the costs incurred when cardboard is disposed of in the trash. This eco-friendly endeavor not only promotes responsible waste management but also helps offset the township's expenses. Read the update here

Speer Madanat Ventures into Dessert Domain with Ice Cream West Chester

WEST CHESTER — Restaurateur Speer Madanat expands his culinary footprint in Chester County with the upcoming launch of Ice Cream West Chester. Following the success of Pizza West Chester and Steaks West Chester, Madanat's latest venture promises to tantalize palates with a delectable array of ice cream delights.

Partnering with Aaron Longenecker, a seasoned consultant with expertise in ice cream production, Madanat is meticulously crafting recipes tailored to satisfy the diverse preferences of dessert enthusiasts. Scheduled to open its doors in May, Ice Cream West Chester will occupy the former Juice Pod location, strategically positioned three blocks from Pizza West Chester, offering patrons convenient access to its enticing offerings.

In a landscape already adorned with esteemed gelato establishments, Madanat seeks to carve out a unique niche for Ice Cream West Chester. Distinguishing itself with offerings of soft-serve, custard, shakes, and sundaes, the establishment aims to captivate patrons with its innovative flavors and impeccable quality.

While his foray into ice cream marks a new chapter in his culinary journey, Madanat's dedication to pizza remains unwavering. From the humble beginnings of Pizza West Chester to the recent acclaim garnered by Steaks West Chester, his commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction continues to drive his endeavors.

Chester County Inmate Accused of Attempted Witness Intimidation

WEST CHESTER — In a troubling development, Darrell Thomas, a 40-year-old inmate at Chester County Prison, finds himself embroiled in legal complications once more, as authorities charge him with witness intimidation. Allegedly attempting to contact a witness in his ongoing legal proceedings, Thomas violated a protection from abuse order by sending multiple letters and making numerous phone calls to the individual residing in Oxford.

While the specifics of the correspondence remain undisclosed, authorities emphasize the severity of the breach, leading to Thomas facing charges of witness intimidation, stalking, and harassment. This incident notably echoes a previous occurrence in January 2023, where Thomas faced similar charges, subsequently pled down to harassment.

Thomas's legal entanglements trace back to his arrest in October 2022 on charges of assault and burglary related to a harrowing incident in September 2021. According to police reports, Thomas unlawfully entered a residence in Oxford, physically assaulted a woman, and brandished a firearm while issuing threats. In a distressing turn of events, Thomas impeded the victim's attempts to seek assistance by confiscating a phone from her child.

Woman Arrested for DUI After Found Asleep at Wheel with Child in Car

LOWER OXFORD — In a disturbing incident, state police reported the discovery of a 35-year-old woman from West Chester found asleep at the wheel with a 3-year-old girl in the car on Commons Drive in Lower Oxford Township on March 13. While the woman's identity remains undisclosed, authorities suspect that she was under the influence of drugs, with open bags containing heroin/fentanyl found within plain sight.

Subsequently, the woman faces a slew of charges including endangering the welfare of a child, DUI, and drug-related offenses. Currently held at Chester County prison, she awaits further legal proceedings to address the gravity of her actions and the safety implications for the child involved.

Chester County Man Sentenced for Weapons Offenses in Drive-By Shooting Case

COATESVILLE — Alan Errol Carter Jr., of Coatesville, has been sentenced to state prison for his involvement in a drive-by shooting incident outside a Coatesville nightclub. Convicted on charges of possessing a firearm and engaging in gunfire, Carter's sentencing of 7½ to 15 years follows a trial earlier this year where evidence revealed his role in the altercation with occupants of an SUV outside the Bongo Club.

Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Kaelin highlighted the endangerment posed by Carter's actions, emphasizing the threat to both the SUV occupants and bystanders. Carter's prior felony conviction for drug possession rendered him ineligible to legally possess firearms at the time of the incident. Following an investigation led by Chester County Detective Maurice Nadachowski, Carter was arrested and subsequently charged.

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Upcoming Local Events…

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

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

• West Pikeland Community Egg Hunt - RAIN DATE March 24th, 11am

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

• West Bradford Easter Egg Hunt - April 7th, 10am

• West Bradford Open Space Event - April 8th, 7pm

• Cars and Coffee at RE/MAX ACE REALTY - April 13th, 9am-11am

• Uwchaln Twp Spring Cleaning Second Event - April 14th 8:30am-10:30am

Catch up on previous issues…