💵 Exton Drug Bust | 🚨 Double Homicide Awaits Trial | 🚨 Underage Drinking Arrest

Join 3,967 Downingtown residents and keep updated with Downingtown Local Pulse!

County-wide Burn Ban in Effect

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 Drug Bust Yields 180 Pounds of Marijuana, Guns, and Cash

🚨 Man Accused in Double Homicide of Two Coatesville Women Awaits Trial

🪖 New Appointee to Chester County Veterans Affairs

🚨 Arrest Made After Underage Drinking Party at Glenmoore Home

📚 CCIU Expands Early Head Start Program with $6.9 Million Federal Grant

🌽 Bipartisan Bills Aim to Modernize Food Waste Management in PA

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Chester County Drug Bust Yields 180 Pounds of Marijuana, Guns, and Cash

WEST WHITELAND TWP - Two Exton men are facing drug trafficking charges after Chester County law enforcement seized over 180 pounds of marijuana, THC products, $180,000 in cash, luxury vehicles, and firearms, including a ghost gun, during raids in West Whiteland and a storage unit in Uwchlan. Authorities allege Christian Sholly and Josiah Silva ran a substantial drug operation that posed a public safety risk. Sholly, a convicted felon, is prohibited from owning firearms, further compounding the charges against him. Bail for both men was set at $250,000. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Acito, with officials urging anyone with information to come forward.

Man Accused in Double Homicide of Two Coatesville Women Awaits Trial

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County authorities are preparing for the capital murder trial of Mamadou Kallie, charged with killing two women, including a pregnant woman, in May 2022. Prosecutors allege Kallie shot the women after a confrontation in Valley Township, with his 22-month-old son in the back seat of the victims’ vehicle. Evidence includes surveillance footage and witness statements linking him to the crime. Kallie was captured after a carjacking and police chase.

The charges include two counts of first-degree murder, murder of an unborn child, and multiple related offenses. Kallie, who has pleaded not guilty, faces the possibility of two death sentences. Attorneys and the court are working on finalizing the trial schedule, with proceedings expected to begin in early 2025.

Susanne Fink Appointed to Lead Chester County Veterans Department

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Commissioners have appointed Susanne Fink as Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Fink, who served as Acting Director since August, brings extensive experience in mental health and a personal connection to the military. Her recent work as a mental health diversion specialist included helping establish the county’s Crisis Intervention Team, which supports law enforcement in addressing mental health crises. Fink has also been a member of the Chester County Veterans Advisory Council, where she worked closely on veterans’ issues. Her family’s military history deepens her understanding of veterans’ needs.

Arrest Made After Underage Drinking Party at Glenmoore Home

GLENMOORE, PA — Christopher Bressi, 46, was arrested following a large underage drinking party at his Glenmoore home on November 2. Police, responding to a noise complaint, discovered 100 to 200 juveniles consuming alcohol and playing loud music audible off the property. Many partygoers fled upon police arrival, and several required medical treatment for alcohol overdoses. Bressi previously ran for school board unsuccessfully and was known for sending letters to the school board over inappropriate content and signing them from a group of his own creation, the “Society of College Medicine”

Authorities allege that Bressi and his wife, who were present during the event, provided both the venue and the alcohol. Bressi was taken into custody and later released on $25,000 unsecured bail.

CCIU Expands Early Head Start Program with $6.9 Million Federal Grant

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) has been awarded a $6.9 million annual federal grant with $1 million in additional startup funding to expand its Early Head Start program. This initiative will increase the program’s reach from 152 to 296 children and extend services to 16 Pennsylvania counties, including Chester, Berks, and Philadelphia.

The program provides holistic early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services for infants and toddlers in low-income families. Flexible scheduling will accommodate families’ diverse needs. CCIU was selected through a competitive process and will collaborate with local organizations to implement the expanded services, offering critical support during a vital stage of development.

Bipartisan Bills Aim to Modernize Food Waste Management in PA

HARRISBURG, PA — Last month the Pennsylvania House has approved two bills introduced by State Representative Paul Friel to reform how food-processing residuals (FPR) are managed across the state. The bipartisan legislation addresses issues such as groundwater contamination, foul odors, and Pennsylvania’s status as a destination for waste restricted by neighboring states.

The first bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in partnership with other state agencies, to update guidance on storing and applying FPR to farmland. It will create a land application system detailing when, how, and in what quantities FPR can be safely used. The second bill establishes a certification program for FPR haulers and brokers, requiring continuing education to maintain compliance.

These measures aim to replace outdated policies and create a centralized tracking system to ensure responsible and sustainable use of FPR, safeguarding the environment and community health.

Catch up on previous issues…