West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Jan. 23, 2026

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It’s Friday, Jan 23, 2026: This week we are going clubbing, and no, you will not need glow sticks or anything mesh. Several new, chill, meet up clubs have started recently in West Chester and they are gaining major traction among introverts and extroverts alike. 

Also, a new senior living development is under construction. It promises 162 new residences by the end of next year. West Chester University secures its largest Federal grant - ever, another tragedy hits Pocopson, and the last reminder of West Chester’s once epic gaming legacy shuttered last week. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

Know someone who still doesn’t subscribe? Send them your referral link. Two days before we are all snowed in, is the perfect time to get caught up! Speaking of, if you ever miss an issue yourself, subscribers can always access them all here.

Clubbin’ in West Chester

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

Yep, it’s freezing outside. But here at Spring Creek Design, we know this is the perfect time to start planning to add a porch or a deck to your home. If you begin planning now, we can finish construction in time for warm weather ahead. We promise it’s coming!

To kickstart your thinking, here are some of the trends we’re seeing:

• The porches and decks we’re designing reflect a desire for comfort and connection with nature. They’re evolving into true outdoor living spaces with comfortable furniture, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens.

• Seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces are key. Think large sliding doors or folding window walls, consistent flooring, and similar décor styles inside and out.

• Sustainable materials are popular. In addition to wood, there's a rise in eco-friendly options like bamboo and composite decking made from recycled materials.

• While nature is nice, technology is required. Extended Wi-Fi networks are a must to support outdoor TVs, movie projection systems, outdoor speakers, and smart lighting systems.

Ready to make the most of the home you love? Give us a call at 610-273-9194.

**This is a sponsored post.**

The Warnings.

Tragedy hits Pocopson, again. It’s been a rough couple of weeks in Pocopson township. Last week, firefighters executed a dramatic water rescue in freezing temperatures. Now a house fire has gutted a home on Cabin Club Lane. Fortunately, this time there were no reports of physical injuries, just lots of property damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Fire at the Microtel Inn forces evacuation. With temps hovering around the 15℉ mark, residents at the Microtel Inn on Willowbrook Lane in West Goshen were forced to evacuate Tuesday evening after a fire within a wall caused smoke to billow throughout the building. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services and the Red Cross stepped in to arrange shelter accommodations for the displaced occupants. 

West Chester woman charged with stealing from the Coatesville Area Teachers Association. Kathleen Elicker of West Chester was arrested last week on suspicion of stealing funds from the Coatesville Area Teachers Association (CATA) while serving as its treasurer. A review of bank statements shows that on multiple occasions, the defendant took funds belonging to the CATA and deposited them into her personal accounts.

Child predator arrested. Last week, Chester County Detectives arrested Matthew Hogan, of Malvern, on charges of unlawful contact with minors, sexual assault of minors, and related charges. The defendant, who used Snapchat to make his sexually explicit requests, has already been tied to 13 victims, with more victims yet to be identified. “If parents recognize the Defendant or his Instagram screen name ‘wolf_of_broadst’, they should contact the Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe. He added a reminder: “It’s imperative to monitor your children’s online activities . . . to help protect them from predators.”

Have your alternatives ready. Dutton Mill Rd. in East Goshen Township will be closed between Strasburg Rd. and Manley Rd. starting on Monday morning and running through the end of the week. If you live in the area, scheduled trash service will continue, just a little earlier than usual. The closure is set to begin at 9 a.m. and run through 2 p.m. all week. Also starting on Tuesday and running through Feb. 2, there will be no parking on the 50 block of W. Miner St. This includes permitted parking. If you have an F Permit, you may park in the kiosk spaces in Lot 5 during this time.

It’s going to get cold out there. And potentially icy. 211 is available if your housing situation becomes dangerous. Also, for anyone who needs help preparing for the storm, Safe Harbor will have food and winter supplies available for the taking on Saturday from 12 - 2 p.m. If that’s not you, let a neighbor know.

The Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. 

One Incident Sparks Big Change

Last month, a West Goshen resident reported that a township snowplow damaged their mailbox. Under the Township’s long-standing policy, Public Works will replace a damaged mailbox with a standard black or white mailbox and post, rather than reimburse the homeowner for their actual replacement costs. Mailboxes and posts are replaced but not installed.

At this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the resident shared dissatisfaction with the Township’s existing policy, objecting to the cost limits of the policy and that it did not include installation. The concern prompted the Board to reconsider a policy that has been in place for more than a decade.

A New, Expanded Policy was Approved Quickly

Under the revised policy, residents are able to claim reimbursement of up to $300 for mailbox and/or post damage caused by Township snow plow operations. 

“The $300 cap is all-inclusive based on the submission of appropriate documentation (e.g., receipts, pictures of damage),” shared West Goshen Township Manager Chris Bashore. The Township will still provide a temporary mailbox if requested.

This new limit greatly exceeds reimbursement levels used by surrounding Chester County municipalities, which typically cap between $50–$100, if they reimburse at all. (See below.)

Comparison to Neighboring Townships

A review of nearby municipal policies:

• East Goshen Twp: $50 reimbursement for snowplow-related damage.

• East Bradford Twp: Up to $100 if the plow physically strikes the mailbox (not snow impact).

• East Brandywine Twp: Up to $100 at the Township’s discretion for direct plow or truck contact.

• West Whiteland: Up to $100 for materials only; lower reimbursement without receipts.

• Westtown Twp: Up to $50 total ($20 mailbox + $30 post) if struck by a plow truck.

• Many others: No reimbursement for snowplow-related damage.

Why This Matters

The new $300 reimbursement cap, the highest in the region, was approved after a brief discussion and before Supervisors reviewed a finalized written policy. The change appears to have been driven by a single resident complaint, rather than a documented pattern of mailbox damage or widespread public concern.

With a major winter storm approaching, the new policy will likely be tested immediately.

Bundle up, and keep shining!

Hello.

Hello, snowfall. While the last few weeks may have you begging to differ, the Earth as a whole is getting warmer. According to the latest numbers reported by climate scientists at the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the last 11 years have been the hottest on record. Of course, that’s not true for everyone everywhere. So, the New York Times took all that data and created a pretty tool where you can track the temperature changes basically anywhere in the world. So how did West Chester fare?

Goodbye.

The Accolades.

Science and technology for all. This week, West Chester University announced it had received the largest grant in school history—$10.26 million—for its Center for STEM Inclusion. The sizable GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant from the U.S. Department of Education will fund a transformative seven-year initiative to support 1,833 local sixth- and seventh-grade students from middle school to college completion.

The program establishes measurable objectives designed to drive student success, including improved attendance rates, accelerated mathematics achievement, and higher academic performance across all subjects. One such benchmark is to have more students completing Algebra I by ninth grade.

“We are committed to creating pathways to higher education success for every student we serve,” said Center Director Dr. Brandon Mitchell. “Working with our partners, we will provide the guidance, resources, and support these students need to realize their full potential.”

In addition to academic support, the staff also helps students and families with the college application and enrollment process. The Center for STEM Inclusion currently supports more than 40 southeastern PA schools and nonprofits. This program will focus primarily on kids in the Coatesville, Chester, and William Penn School Districts. 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Winter sports. It’s been a while, but now that the Eagles are over and the Sixers are, well, frustrating, why not root, root, root for the home team? Here are a few teams worth checking out this winter.

• East Boys Wrestling. It’s been years since East has added to its banner of state medalists, but senior Justin Williams hopes this is the year. “I don’t care if it’s eighth, or whatever … I want to put my name on the board,” he told the Daily Local News. That chance won’t come for another few weeks, but in the meantime, the team is pulling together and getting the job done. As was the case last Wednesday night, when the Vikings pinned divisional foe Coatesville 10 times in their dual match. It was their first win against Coatesville since 2022. 

• Henderson Boys Basketball. Last week, the Warriors took a step back in their quest to sit atop the Ches-Mont National standings after falling to Downingtown West in overtime on Thursday and slipping to third overall. This week, they took out their frustrations on Rustin, beating the Golden Knights 67 to 34 and claiming the title of Best of West Chester. They may not always win, but this Warrior team is always ready to battle. 

• Girls Basketball. With 18 games already played this season, Rustin and East are both 10–8 on the year, and sit just two seeds apart in the PIAA DI 5A rankings. Rustin is ranked ninth out of 23 teams, and East sixth. That East edge comes from a matchup earlier this month in which the Vikings completed their sweep through the Borough, taking down both Henderson and Rustin in a one-week span to secure Best of West Chester. Players to watch: East, Freshman Kayla Holman (she’s already garnering national attention) and Carly Bickle (Check out this steal to set up the last-second, game-winning 3). Rustin: Senior point guard Jenna Kraft and junior Claire Rydel (Here’s Claire with a buzzer-beater over Great Valley). 

• WCU Cheerleaders. Shout-out this week to the West Chester University cheerleading team, which competed for the first time in three separate divisions at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National Championships in Orlando, FL. Their best performance came in the Game Day Division, where the girls finished second overall, just behind reigning National Champions Sacred Heart. They also competed for the first time in the Stunt Division and the Traditional Division, where they finished 16th and 10th, respectively. Give me a “G!” Give me an “O!” Let’s go!

Jeopardy runs. West Chester University alum Joshua Weikert is looking to prove once again why you don’t go up against him in Quizzo. After winning six straight games in March, the Immaculata University professor is returning to the Jeopardy! Studios on Friday for the start of the 2026 Tournament of Champions. (Ok, so in all likelihood this was pre-recorded, but for the rest of us, his return will come tonight at 7 p.m. on ABC.)

Spring flowers. It’s probably no surprise with the winter that we have been having, a green guitar on a backdrop of pretty pink flowers would speak to the Porchfest organizers. The design by Bree Dillon has been selected as this year’s official concert poster. This year’s neighborhood concert event will take place on May 16 from 1 to 7 p.m. If you’re interested in participating, performer sign-ups open on Mar. 1. You can get more information here.

2016. Prompted by all the 2016 flashbacks trending on social media this week, I decided to take a peek back to see where this little dream stood a decade ago. And as it turns out, it wasn’t quite yet a glimmer of an idea. That would take another year. My first ever post as a “blogger” happened on May 30, 2017. It’s funny, though—outside of calling it a “blog,” much of the original concept remains intact. You can read that first post here. But you remember what did happen in 2016, don’t you? 

Most clicked. Not surprisingly, last week’s most-clicked story was Longwood and West Chester Fire Departments' dramatic water rescue in Pocopson. 

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Pay it Forward.

In 2016, Rebecca Lukens finished writing the book she had started with her husband, Rob, Man with a Backpack: One Regular Guy’s Fight Against Stomach Cancer.

“I finished this book as a caregiver after Rob passed away, now unfortunately, as many of you know, I’m a cancer patient myself,” the local interior designer shared on her company's Instagram page. “I have heard recently that this book has been helping other cancer patients cope. I pray that it will continue to touch lives,” she said.

That post was made roughly six months ago, and sadly, Rebecca now needs someone to help finish her story. Rebecca Lukens died on January 13 after her own two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. She is remembered for her “fiery spirit” and “quiet courage.” She leaves a legacy of creativity and two children, Abbie and Finley.

Kerstin Lindquist and Kevin Gadsby have taken up her tale and started a GoFundMe in support of her kids.

“Becky passed away at home, surrounded by love. She leaves behind Abbie (22) and Finn (19), at the threshold of adulthood, now facing life without their parents' loving guidance. They were raised in a home marked by love, faith, and resilience. They watched their parents endure suffering with courage and trust in God, and they carry that legacy with them, yet no amount of strength can fully prepare them for this loss.”

“This GoFundMe is for Abbie and Finn,” the post continues. “It will help cover basic living expenses, education costs, medical and legal needs, and the many unexpected financial burdens that come with losing both parents at such a young age. Most of all, it is meant to give them room to grieve without the added worry of how they will manage what comes next.”

You can read the full post and consider a donation here.

Other ways to give back: 

Play Bingo. West Chester Masonic Lodge is holding a Bingo Night fundraiser on Saturday afternoon. This is a family-friendly event with cash prizes for the adults, candy for the kids. Doors open at 3 p.m. 

Answer questions for a good cause. Actnow, formerly Act in Faith, is hosting a Quizzo for Cause fundraiser on Saturday night. It’s BYO-everything for a good time. They will provide the questions and help with the laughs. $25/person to play, teams of 6 to 8. Games start promptly at 8 p.m.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? I don’t know what your plans are for this weekend, but I am hoping to get all my running in on Saturday before settling in for a proper snow day on Sunday.

If you are around this weekend, Gemelli is back with improved seating areas and restocked cases. Beer Mill Dave delivers the weather and an excellent pro-snow pitch, Spence Cafe shares their favorite cold-weather meal (do not try this at home), and Dia Doce has finally perfected the Dubai Chocolate cupcake. Tonight, there will be an artists' reception from 5 - 8 p.m at the Inspired Gallery at 16 W. Market St. and Elise Acoustic is playing live at Artillery. Then, on Saturday, Turks Head Comedy is hosting its first show of the new year. 

Otherwise, I hope I’ll see you on the sledding hills or out walking the snow-covered streets.

And this week a very special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor align.Space.  align.Space is a gorgeous shared work and event space right in the middle of downtown West Chester. If you haven’t been in to check it out yet, go now. Those third-floor views? Stunning.

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. 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.

Jan. 27 and 29 – Mental Health First Aid certification, Government Services Center, West Chester, 4 – 8:30 p.m. Learn to recognize and respond to the signs of a mental health challenge or condition. This class is free and open to the public. Registration required.

Jan. 27 – Kindergarten 101, Fugett Middle School, 6 p.m. Informational night for families to learn what to expect when their child enters elementary school. Email  Sara Missett at [email protected] for details.

Jan. 28 – Cocktail Making 101, Slow Hand, 6 p.m. Learn four classic cocktails and two N/A cocktails. Light snacks and two drinks included.

Jan. 29 – Open Mic Night, Turks Head Cafe, 7 p.m. Music, poetry, standup. All levels encouraged

Jan. 31 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. – noon.

Feb. 5  – Tea with Jane Austen, Mimi’s Tea Cottage, 2-3:30 p.m. or 4 – 5:30 p.m. Explore the life and works of Jane Austen while enjoying a full tea service. $45.99/person

That’s it. Stay warm, stay happy, and thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. 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.

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