West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Jan. 16, 2026

Editorial services provided by Flickering Words.

The easiest way to be in the know.

Upgrade | Hello podcast

It’s Friday, Jan. 16, 2026:  The headlines around the use of AI in schools are scary to say the least, but adoption seems all but a foregone conclusion. “I don’t even have the ability to shut it down if we wanted to,” West Chester Area School District Director of Technology John McGowan tells me. This week, we dig into the district’s approach and look at two A.I. platforms they are currently piloting.  

Also, we look at the impact of an unexpected store closure, West Chester University’s football team takes another coaching hit, and production crews are back in town. Plus, West Goshen’s Township engineer resigns, a dramatic water rescue, and a state rule change that could impact local high school sports. 

Two weeks in, and this year is starting to roll. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

The Chatbots Are Coming: West Chester Schools Face the Inevitability of AI

• “The risks of AI in schools outweigh the benefits,” NPR 

• “A recent study found that popular A.I. chatbots may diminish critical thinking,” The New York Times

• “A.I. has become the norm for students. Teachers are playing catch-up.” NBC News

• “AI is destroying the University and Learning Itself.” Current Affairs. 

Do a quick Google search of “AI in schools,” and aside from a report on parent reactions in South Carolina, these are your top headlines. At the same time, the technology has an unheard-of adoption rate. Out for just three years, and already 54.5 percent of all U.S. adults report using generative AI, or artificial intelligence designed to complete tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence. It’s this no-man’s-land between uncertainty and inevitability that weighs heavily on parents, teachers, and West Chester Area School District administrators. 

“We have to toe the line,” says WCASD Director of Technology John McGowan. “We have to figure out: how does [AI] improve student learning and how does it prepare them for the future . . . versus another tech tool that has the potential to be abused?” 

The Warnings.

Firefighters attempt dangerous water rescue. On Sunday, West Chester Fame Fire Company, along with the Longwood Fire Company and other regional firefighters, responded to a submerged vehicle at 1332 Lenape Rd. According to a post from the Longwood Fire Company, the vehicle had left the roadway and landed upside down in the Brandywine River, almost fully submerged. After an individual was found trapped inside the vehicle, fire crews donned wetsuits and entered 40-degree water, working for close to an hour to extricate the victim. The victim was then transported by EMS to a local hospital. Seconding the sentiments of the original post, “Our thoughts are with the family of the victim involved in this incident.” 

House fire on Deer Pointe Rd. Also this week, West Chester Fire Department and Good Fellowship EMS responded to a house fire on the 500 block of Deer Pointe Rd. Firefighters began attacking the flames from the outside of the home until the bulk of the fire was under control and crews could enter the residence to extinguish the rest. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The fire is now under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshall. 

Tree down. Last week, I received a letter. “In case you’re not aware, this sad trend is continuing into yet another year,” it began. The sad trend the writer is referring to is the continued snapping of newly planted saplings. According to the Tree Commission’s end-of-year report, 186 new street trees were planted in 2025.

“That’s twice as many as we’ve planted in recent years,” Tree Commission Chair Chip Horne shared during his year-end presentation. Although all that planting does little good if the trees aren’t given a chance at survival. 

“I saw this broken sapling on my walk to work on January 3,” shared Borough resident Elizabeth Nebel. This is not the first time she has witnessed this situation. Last year, she found at least four young trees broken along S. Walnut St.

“As a resident of the southeast quadrant, this picture has become much too common,” she said.

PECO’s coming to town. Speaking of downed trees, PECO will be working in the Northeast quadrant of the borough during the first quarter of 2026. The energy company will be trimming and removing trees that are interfering with PECO wires in an attempt to prevent future outages. Homes along Goshen Rd. and on side streets from N. Walnut St. to Hillsdale Dr. will be impacted. 

Error found on the WCASD printed calendar. If you have this thing hung in the mud room and use it religiously to stay on top of the District’s latest run of random days off, know the version you have is incorrect. This week, West Chester Director of Elementary Education Dr. Sara Missett shared that the elementary conference dates on the print calendar are wrong. To allow time for parent-teacher discussions, there will be no school for elementary students on Wednesday, Mar. 18 and Thursday, Mar. 19. Middle- and high-school students still have class. Then all students are off on Mar. 20 for Eid al-Fitr. You can find the corrected version of the calendar here.

Have your alternatives ready. PennDOT will be working near the intersection of U.S. 202 (Wilmington Pike) and Route 926 (Street Road) beginning today and running through Jan. 30. Crews will be out between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. expect lane closures and flagging during this time. This is part of a $2.9 million project to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes through the intersection.

The Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. 

West Goshen Township Engineer Bryan Kulakowsky Resigns

Mr. Kulakowsky announced his resignation at the close of the West Goshen Township Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, January 13, informing the Commission of his decision at the conclusion of the public meeting.

Mr. Kulakowsky was formally appointed on September 20, 2022, during a public meeting of the West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors, as reflected in the meeting minutes from that date.

At the time of his appointment, Township Manager Christopher Bashore explained that Mr. Kulakowski was brought on as Assistant Township Engineer to work alongside the Township's long-serving engineer Rick Craig, P.E., who was planning for retirement. The intent was to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of engineering oversight for the Township. He was promoted to Township Engineer in January 2023.

While Mr. Craig retired from his full-time role, he has remained engaged with the Township as a consultant, specifically continuing to oversee engineering matters related to the Greystone development.

As of Mr. Kulakowsky’s resignation, the Township has not yet publicly detailed next steps regarding interim or permanent engineering coverage, or how responsibilities will be allocated moving forward.

We’ll keep you posted on updates as we learn them. Keep shining!

Hello.

Goodbye.

The Accolades.

Homes of the week. No, I am not starting a new real estate segment. This market moves too fast to warrant coverage in a weekly newsletter anyway (more on that in a future issue). Instead, this is applause for a new townhome development on W. Washington St. that will add eight new residences to the Borough. That may not seem like a lot, but the brick-fronted, 3-bedroom units will make homeownership possible for a pack of hot dog buns' worth of new families. And that, I think, is something to celebrate.

The new development is called Axl Square. It features two rows of four townhomes each. One set of four will face W. Washington St., while the other set will face Patton Alley. Between the two properties, there is off-street parking. Each unit will have its own one-car garage with enough parking for two additional vehicles. In the back, between the two rows of driveways, there will be a green space with trees that runs down the middle.

The development received final approval from Borough Council to move forward late last year. No details on when construction may begin were provided.

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

The best of social media. Let’s face it, Facebook groups have a bad rep, often deservedly so, but that’s not to say there isn’t a little community squeezed in there as well. This week, I saw a post from a harried mom of two children under three who needed a place to rest between appointments. “I was nervous all morning about where to go, because we had just finished potty training our two-year-old, and I’m nursing our infant,” she wrote. “I stopped into Rose’s [Little Donuts] because my son and I are donut obsessed, and I felt so welcomed and safe!” To top it off, she noted, the bathrooms were clean, the donuts were amazing, and the coffee perfect.

Having your voices heard. Last year, West Chester Parks and Rec made the unfortunate decision to move the Halloween Parade to a Sunday afternoon. The timing, while easier for police and public works employees, was not popular with pretty much anyone else. Last week, we received official word that the Parks Department was moving the parade back to Wednesday night, and for that, you were grateful. “So very happy they listened to the community’s feedback and reinstated the evening Halloween parade. Thank you!” Susan Christine shared this week on our Facebook page, summing up the feelings of many.

Old-school steakhouses. 9 Prime recently received a shoutout from Philadelphia Magazine for both its “architectural splendor” and “top notch” dining experience. One of only two restaurants selected in Chester County and a handful outside of the city, it’s nice to know you don’t have to drive far—or at all—for some old-school fine dining. 

Limoncello’s new prix fixe menu. Multiple courses, one set price? What’s not to love? Starting this week, Limoncello has a new Prix Fixe menu option: three courses, one glass of wine, $45. Each dinner includes an appetizer—think crispy arancini, sauteed calamari, or shrimp siciliani—a main like their popular vegetarian lasagna or Chicken Limoncello, and a dessert. In total, there are eight apps, eight mains, and four desserts to choose from. Additional beef and seafood options are available for a $5 to $10 upcharge. The Prix Fixe menu is available Sunday through Thursday. Only caveat? The whole table must participate. 

Most clicked. By far the most-clicked story in last week’s newsletter was three blurry images of two females wanted in connection with an unnamed police investigation. 

Pay it Forward.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s traditionally been a day of service. It’s also a day off from school. If you are looking for a way to combine those with some midwinter energy burning thrown in, the Henderson Girls’ Basketball team has just the thing for you. 

Coach Viki Kneis, her staff, and players are hosting an MLK Shoot and Serve Clinic on Monday morning, starting at 10 a.m. There will be skill development, game play, and a community service project. In addition to helping the next generation perfect their jump shots, the girls are collecting for Fostering Hope Chesco, a local nonprofit that supports youth in foster care. 

If you are interested in participating, register here. The cost of the clinic is $30, and that includes the community service project and a snack. Players will need to bring their own lunch and a personal care item like diapers, wipes, shampoo, toothpaste, or socks to add to the donation.

Also, next week marks the start of local America 250 celebrations. West Goshen and East Goshen Townships are hosting a discussion with author Michael C. Harris about his book Fighting for Philadelphia. The talk will take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the West Goshen Township building. It will include a look at regional Revolutionary War battles from Oct. 5 through Dec. 19, 1777. The event is free to attend. There will be a book signing after with books available for purchase.

America 250 celebrations will continue the following week with the official red-carpet premiere of Dare to Declare, a video of local leaders reading the Declaration of Independence. The free screening is taking place at Uptown Theater at 5 p.m.

Other ways to give back: 

Join a Board or Commission. Lots of people this week are expressing excitement over the possibility of a new walking trail that would connect West Chester with the surrounding townships. Well, that is being led by the Transportation Advisory Committee, and while they are not looking for members—yeah, sorry about that lead-in—plenty of other West Chester committees are. 

The Borough is looking for people to join the Civil Service Commission, Human Relations Commission, Tree Commission, West Chester Community Campus Committee, the West Chester Library Board of Trustees, and the Zoning Hearing Board. If any of that is of interest to you (see the complete list here), send your resume and a letter of interest to Dana DiDomenico at [email protected]. Use “Resume for Vacancy” as your subject line.

They are also looking for people to join the America 250 work group.

Grab a meal at Bierhaul on Wednesday. West Chester Public Arts is partnering with Bierhaul to help make West Chester’s America 250 mural a reality. Bierhaul is donating 10 percent of all sales collected during the day (1/21) to the mural project. 

Make some soup to share. West Chester Public Library is hosting a community Soup Swap on Saturday. Make a soup filled with your intentions for the new year. Then swap tastes and dreams with your neighbors. Bread and utensils will be provided. 

Take a survey. West Chester is looking for some more input on its transportation survey. Like the idea of a trail? This is your opportunity to make that known. If you haven’t already, you can take it here.

Support Your New Years Resolutions with CBD

Setting a New Years resolution is a lot easier than keeping it. But CBDistillery’s expertly-formulated CBD products make sticking with your resolutions easier. Save 25% on CBD to ease pain after workouts, stress less, sleep better or unwind alcohol-free with code HNY25 and keep your resolutions on track.

Support Your Resolutions

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? I am quiet clubbing it this weekend. I will be checking out both the West Chester Walking Club as well as the Silent Reading Club in preparation for an article on ways to get involved. What other fun and unique ways are people connecting? Let me know at [email protected]. Then I am ordering wings and making queso. As an Indiana University alumnus myself and no Eagles left to cheer for, our annual football celebrations are coming early this year!

If you are around this weekend, Highland Orchard is hosting a Pop-up Donut Day today! Their legendary apple cider donuts will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., then they’re gone. Also, it’s Betty White Happy Hour at 9 Prime Look for deals on Tito’s martinis, wagyu hot dogs, and donations to Lucky Dawg Rescue. Penn’s Table has a book reading with two local legends, and Dolce Zola has tender swordfish finished in a bechamel cream sauce. Doesn’t that sound good? Sunday, Westtown is hosting a hot chocolate hike for the kiddos and La Baguette Magique is back with fresh-baked croissants for the rest of us. If that’s not enough to lift the mid-January spirits, May 23 has a new mesh top in a bold floral print, Blink has steep discounts, and Whirl Away Travel has ideas. 

Whatever you decide, enjoy the quiet. WCU students return on Monday.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor, SLA Financial. SLA Financial has proudly served the West Chester community for 30 years, providing personalized wealth management and financial planning. With a focus on helping individuals and families achieve long-term goals, they sponsor local events and offer financial education classes, reflecting their deep commitment to both clients and community growth.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. There are only three spots an issue so each one gets a lot of attention, and from what I hear, responses. Placements are filled first come- first served. Send me an email if you are interested.

Mark Your Calendars:

Jan. 16 – Midlife Cafe: Rising Into Your Power, Be Rooted Movement Studio, 432 W. Gay St., 2 – 3:30 p.m. This 90-minute group coaching session is designed to help women explore what confidence and empowerment mean in their current season of life. This is a free event although donations are welcome. Registration required.

Jan 16 – Pop-up Donut Day, Highland Orchard, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Come get their famous apple cider donuts for one day only.

Jan. 16 – Betty White Happy Hour, 4 – 6: 30 p.m. Specials on Tito’s martinis, wagyu hot dogs, and donations to Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue!

Jan. 16 – Goober, Gobber Bank Robber, Penn’s Table, 100 W. Gay St., Celebrating local author Bobby McCormick with a joint reading with brother and fellow Henderson alumnus Houston Astros right fielder Chas McCormick.

Jan. 17 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. – noon.

Jan. 17 – Silent Book Club meeting, Chester County Welcome Center, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. No reading assignments. Read what you want. Reading starts at 10:30 and runs for an hour. Chatting time available before and after.

Jan. 18 – Little Tykes Hot Cocoa Hike, Oakbourne Park, 11 a.m. Each registered child will make hot cocoa to drink along the trail. Designed for kids 3 -8. Registration required. $16/child

Jan. 18 – ‘Split the G’ Competition, Kildare’s, 5 p.m. Two rounds. Prizes to first and second. This took off on TikTok last year. The idea is to leave your beer level resting midway through the ‘G’ on the Guinness pint. The trick is you only get one drink to do it. 

Jan. 19 – Shoot and Serve Clinic, Henderson High School gym, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open to students 2nd through 8th. $30/player. Fee covers clinic, community service project and a snack.

Jan. 20 – First Day of Spring Semester Classes, WCU

Jan. 20 – Science on Tap – Computer Science, Barnaby’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and new research. The program invites audience participation and, of course, food and drink will be available for purchase. Cheers to science!

Jan. 21 – 3rd Wednesday Book Discussion, West Chester Public Library, 1 – 2 p.m. January book selection: Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green. This is a free event. Registration is required.  

Jan. 22 – Beans Story Slam, Side Bar. Doors open at 6:30, stories at 7:30. The theme FROZEN. Tickets required. 

Jan. 22 – Book discussion: Fighting for Philadelphia with author Michael C. Harris, West Goshen Township Building, 7 p.m. The event is free to attend. There will be a book signing after with books available for purchase, if you don’t already have a copy.

Jan. 24 – Bingo Night Fundraiser, West Chester Masonic Lodge #322, 10 S. Church St., Doors open at 3 p.m. Family-friendly event. Cash prizes for the adults, candy for the kids. Open to the public. 

Jan. 24 – Quizzo for a Cause, Church of the Holy Trinity, 212 S. High St., 6-8 p.m. Bring your own everything (food and drinks welcome) and stay for a fun night of trivia. $25/person. Open to teams of 6 or 8.

Jan. 24 – Turks Head Comedy, Turks Head Cafe, 8 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets required.

Jan. 26 – Dare to Declare, Uptown Theater, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Chester County Community Foundation is hosting a red carpet premiere of Dare to Declare, a video of people from all walks of life throughout Chester County reading the Declaration of Independence.  The screening will be followed by a discussion with the featured readers.

That’s it. Stay safe, stay happy, and thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue special. I’ll see you next week!

This newsletter has been edited by Victoria Rose, Flickering Words: Copy editing. Substantive editing. Proofreading. Content writing. Technical editing. Contact her at [email protected] or @VictoriaRoseEdits to learn more.

Reader tip: If you have trouble with these emails going to spam or promotions, reply to this email. Nothing particular, even a random letter will do, but that should keep them coming to the inbox.

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors