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  • 🗳️ Polls Open For Municipal Elections | 🪏 Embreeville State Hospital Transformation | 🚨 Escapee Apprehended

🗳️ Polls Open For Municipal Elections | 🪏 Embreeville State Hospital Transformation | 🚨 Escapee Apprehended

Downingtown Local Pulse Nov 4th, 2025

Author

Chesco Sean
04 Nov

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Myth: Pet insurance claims are too slow

Unlike in the past, most pet insurance claims are now super easy to process. Now, you can submit a claim right from an app and get the money deposited directly into your account within days. Many insurers even offer options for direct payment to the vet, reducing the out-of-pocket burden. Check out Money’s Best Pet Insurance list to find options with fast and painless claims processing.

Chester County Heads to Polls for Municipal Elections

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Chester County residents will cast ballots Tuesday in municipal elections featuring several important local and state races. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and voters are encouraged to confirm their polling locations before arriving. Key races include the mayoral election in Downingtown and the contest for Chester County Controller, which oversees the county's financial operations. Pennsylvania voters will also decide whether to retain Supreme Court justices for another decade on the bench.

West Bradford Advances Embreeville Transformation with 2027 Target

WEST BRADFORD TWP — West Bradford Township is advancing its transformation of the former Embreeville State Hospital into a 196-acre community park, with major infrastructure work scheduled to continue through mid-2027. The township has completed initial site stabilization, including tree removal, road repairs, and stormwater improvements, while securing a split rail fence along Strasburg Road.

Officials have applied for a $250,000 state grant to fund multipurpose athletic fields and are developing engineering plans for comprehensive stormwater upgrades and parking improvements. Construction contracts are expected to be awarded in early 2026, with a new access road to Route 162 scheduled for completion by June 2027. The township is also partnering with local Scout troops to develop a dedicated camp on adjacent property, with Scouts providing trail maintenance in exchange for site access.

Escapee Apprehended After Nearly Week-Long Search

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A man who escaped police custody while handcuffed in Chester County was recaptured Friday morning when an officer spotted him at a Wawa in Phoenixville. Jairo Eliazar Ramirez-Lima attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody by East Pikeland Township police around 4:30 a.m.

Ramirez-Lima had been arrested early Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence after officers found him unconscious in a running vehicle. Police discovered rifles, a bow, and a fake gun inside the car. He escaped from an officer while being escorted from Phoenixville Hospital, striking the officer and running while still handcuffed. Authorities said he has multiple outstanding warrants and a history of violence and weapons offenses.

Local Author Releases Debut Children's Book About Wisdom and Family Values

Chester County author Daniel Pishock has published his first children's book, a parable about four brothers competing to inherit their father's forest home. The hardcover book, illustrated by Zuza Wollny, follows three older sons who fail to complete their father's challenge using wealth and knowledge, while the youngest succeeds with a simpler approach. Pishock, who draws on his faith and family life, designed the story to convey moral lessons to young readers.

The Wise Father and his Four Sons can be purchased on Amazon here

Upcoming local events…

Exton Free Networking (Exton) - Nov 7, 9:15am-10:30am

Fall Riparian Buffer Tree Maintenance Day (Caln) - Nov 8, 9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - Nov 8, 9am-1pm

Chester County Networking Happy Hour (Exton) - Nov 18, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Downingtown West Indoor Percussion Craft Fair (Downingtown) - Nov 22nd, 11am-4pm

Chester County Networking Monthly West Chester Happy Hour (West Chester) - Nov 22nd, 5pm-7pm

East Brandywine Tree Lighting (East Brandywine) - Nov 29, 3pm-5pm

Downingtown Christmas Tree Lighting (Downingtown) - Nov 29, 6pm-7:30pm

Coatesville Christmas Parade (Coatesville) - Dec 6th, 10am-2pm

Caln Township Tree Lighting (Thorndale) - Dec 7th, 5pm


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