🚲 Teen Donates Bikes to Those in Need | 💸 Tax Hike Opposition | 👮 Caln Hires New Officer

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚲 Chester County Teen Distributes Bicycles to Families in Need

💸 Commissioner Roe Signals Opposition to 13% Tax Hike

👮 Caln Township Police Welcome New Officer

🚨 DUI Suspect Accused of Attacking Hospital Staff

🎅 🥁 Downingtown Christmas Parade Replay

🏡 Upcoming Real Estate Listings

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

A Holiday Gift: Chester County Teen Distributes Bicycles to Families in Need

MALVERN, PA — In Malvern, a Chester County teenager known for his philanthropic work is spending the holiday season delivering more than 150 bicycles to families who otherwise might not be able to afford them. Inspired by his own childhood interest in bicycles, he transformed a personal fundraising project into a thriving nonprofit that repairs and distributes bikes at no cost. Over several days, he and a group of volunteers are loading multiple trucks with refurbished bicycles, helmets, and even pajamas, ensuring each recipient family, including one celebrating a father’s recovery, can share in the excitement. Honored by TIME as a “Kid of the Year” for 2024, the teenager’s initiative reflects his belief in broadening access to simple, dependable transportation—and in making the season a bit brighter for those in need.

Commissioner Roe Signals Opposition to 13% Tax Hike

WEST CHESTER, PA — As Chester County’s Board of Commissioners approaches a vote on its proposed 2025 budget, one member is poised to oppose a 13 percent property tax increase aimed at closing fiscal gaps. The budget, due for approval on Wednesday, would raise the annual tax bill for most homeowners and is intended to cover a range of rising costs: utility and service expenses heightened by inflation, upgrades and safety improvements at the county prison, and planned replacements for critical first responder equipment.

County officials maintain that this tax increase, the first since 2021, is a necessary adjustment that aligns Chester County with similar measures taken by neighboring jurisdictions. They argue it ensures the continuation of essential services and long-term infrastructural investments. In contrast, the dissenting commissioner, newly elected as the board’s lone Republican, believes the county must reduce spending and consider selling certain assets rather than passing the cost on to residents. He contends that the financial pressures felt by households—already facing escalating housing and utility costs—should guide the county’s fiscal decisions. The final decision will be made at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning in West Chester.

Caln Township Police Welcome New Officer, Kenneth Costello

CALN TWP — The Caln Township Police Department welcomed Officer Kenneth Costello to its team on Tuesday, marking the end of a careful vetting and certification process. After being sworn in by a local magistrate judge, he is set to begin serving the community alongside the existing force. Officials have noted the importance of maintaining qualified personnel as the department strives to uphold public safety and ensure residents’ confidence in law enforcement.

DUI Suspect Accused of Attacking Hospital Staff in West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — Earlier this month, police responded to a late-night crash in West Chester’s South Matlack Street area and concluded that the 21-year-old driver involved was under the influence of alcohol. After his arrest, law enforcement transported him to Chester County Hospital due to his level of intoxication. While at the hospital, he allegedly assaulted and made threats toward the medical staff, prompting authorities to add aggravated assault and terroristic threats to the initial DUI charge. At this time, no additional information has been released, and it remains unclear what prompted the alleged altercation. The man is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Downingtown Christmas Parade Replay is up, Experience The Excitement!

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Over the weekend, Downingtown celebrated the season with its annual Christmas parade, offering a lively procession of festively decorated floats, skilled marching bands, and enthusiastic community organizations that lined the streets. Residents and visitors gathered to take in the music, costumes, and cherished traditions that have come to define the town’s holiday celebrations. For those who could not attend, or for anyone wishing to relive the excitement, a recorded replay provides an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the parade

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