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WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester police are searching for a man who assaulted a woman on a walking trail along the 500 block of Dean Street on Tuesday at about 7:30 p.m. The woman, a stranger to her attacker, pushed him off and escaped; he ran toward Everhart Park.

A home security camera installed days earlier by a nearby resident captured the man following the woman before grabbing her. Police have since released images from that footage. They describe the suspect as a clean-shaven, slim man in his early 20s, roughly six feet tall, last seen in a black durag and a gray or silver hooded jacket.

Police say they will add patrols in the area, while neighbors are pushing for more lighting and some residents plan to install additional cameras. Anyone with information should call the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700, referencing incident number WC-26-29110.

HARRISBURG, PA — Skill games, the gaming machines common in Pennsylvania taverns, mini-marts, gas stations and laundromats, are now illegal for most businesses after the state’s Oct. 13 compliance deadline passed.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled on June 15 that the machines qualify as slot machines under the Gaming Act, making them gambling devices under the Crimes Code. Owning, operating or maintaining one without a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board license is a crime, and distributors and manufacturers who build, sell, lease or set up the machines without authorization face criminal liability too.

Only licensed casinos and qualifying truck stops may legally operate slot machines, and only devices approved by the board. Businesses still holding skill games must have the machines and related equipment removed. Tips can be sent to [email protected] or by calling 1-888-292-1919.

WEST PIKELAND TWP — The West Pikeland Police Department has a new officer. Alexander Sarcione was sworn in at the township’s Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 5, with his father, Anthony Sarcione, administering the oath. The elder Sarcione is a former Chester County district attorney who retired as a judge on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Officer Sarcione’s wife, Jessica, served as his oath supporter.

Officer Sarcione served in the U.S. Army as an air and missile defense crewmember, stationed in South Korea and later at Fort Knox. After an honorable discharge, he worked in HVAC and then as a Chester County deputy sheriff. He trained at the police academy at Delaware County Community College. A lifelong county resident, he and his wife have two children.

CALN TWP — Caln Township will hold its annual Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Caln Municipal Park. The centerpiece is a costume contest with prizes donated by United Sports, judged in seven categories: cutest, best group, most creative, scariest, best superhero or villain, best make-believe, and pets.

The afternoon will also include a trunk-or-treat organized by Shannon Cooper’s Dance Academy, along with performances and activities for families.

Upcoming local events…

The Great Pumpkin Carve 2026 (Chadds Ford) - Oct 15-17

Fall Used Book Sale (Downingtown) - Oct 16-18

Friends of Hibernia Mansion Mystery (Hibernia Park) - Oct 16th, 5pm-7pm | Oct 17th, 3pm-6pm

Lionheart Music Fest (Coatesville) - Oct 17th, 12pm-8pm

West Chester Chili Cook-Off (WC Boro) - Oct 18, 12pm-4pm
Origins: The Lenape, William Penn, and the Colonialists (East Brandywine) - Oct 18, 3pm

Upper Uwchlan Trunk or Treat (Pickering Valley ES) - Oct 24, 3pm-5pm
Halloween Race (Shamona Park) - Oct 24, 3:30pm-5:30pm

Trick or Treat on Main Street (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 10am-1pm
Monsters, Masks and Milkweed (Exton) - Oct 25, 1pm-3pm
Farmhouse Museum Open House At Upland Farm - Oct 25, 1pm-4pm

Caln Halloween Party (Thorndale) - Oct 31, 1pm-3pm
Trick, Treats, and Eats (Wagenseller Park) - Oct 31, 3pm-5pm

West Pikeland Fall Fest (Chester Springs) - Nov 1st, 12pm-4pm

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