West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Mar. 13, 2026

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It’s Friday, Mar. 13, 2026: The Biscuit Lady is coming to West Chester. The store opens next week, but I couldn’t wait, so I got in the car and drove to Plymouth Meeting to see what all the fuss is about. This is not a paid promotion, just honest first impressions. Also, after six years of dragging this out, West Chester is finally moving forward with planned improvements to the Gay St closure. We take a look at what is happening and how long it will take. It’s starting to sound a little like that kitchen remodel, painful to live through, but boy, you’ll be glad when it’s done. 

Also, last weekend’s tragic events cut short two West Chester connected lives. We remember them both, a wanted car thief is arrested, and which Borough parks can expect upgrades this year. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Gay Street Improvements Begin. Plan Accordingly  

The Warnings.

Tragedy hits home. On Sunday night, Pennsylvania State Police trooper Cpl. Timothy O’Connor Jr. was shot and killed during a traffic stop in West Caln Township. 

“For the first time in any of our lifetimes, a Chester County Police officer was murdered in the line of duty, shot and killed. This state trooper is also a volunteer with the West Chester Fire Department, a graduate of Henderson High School, a husband, and a father,” West Chester Police Chief Joshua Lee shared on Tuesday evening before beginning his monthly report to Borough Council. 

A moment of silence was taken at the beginning of the meeting for Cpl. O’Connor, who was not just a police officer but a long-serving member of the West Chester Community. 

Cpl. O’Connor joined the West Chester Fire Department in 2003. He also worked as a cook at Kildare’s and was the “cool” counselor at Chester County Camp Cadet. 

“Tim exemplified what it meant to be a selfless public servant. His dedication to helping others and his unwavering commitment to public safety were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” the WCFD shared on Monday. 

Cpl. O’Connor is survived by his wife and daughter. A public viewing is scheduled for Tuesday from 4:30 to 8 p.m at St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown, with a private funeral service to follow on Wednesday. 

A Help A Hero Campaign has been set up to help support the family he left behind. Click here if you would like to lend your support. 

I also want to take a minute to recognize Megan Karyl Nieberle. In an unrelated, equally senseless incident, Megan was also shot and killed last weekend. Megan was a wife and mother of three. She grew up in West Chester as part of a large blended family. She was a graduate of Henderson High School, later earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Immaculata University. With degree in hand she worked as a new for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 27 years. 

Services to honor her life and legacy will be held on Sunday, March 29 at The Desmond Hotel. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., with a memorial service planned for 3 p.m.

The roads are a mess. This is not a traffic comment. I mean a literal mess, thanks to a variety of construction projects going on right now around the Borough. Don’t worry, Public Works is aware. Much of the current work is being done by either PECO or Aqua. They will make things right, but we may have to live with the bumps for a while. “It takes a bit of time,” Interim Public Works Director Don Anderson told Borough Council Members this week, before suggesting all should be smooth sailing again in about three months.

Pothole clean-up planned. PennDOT crews will be out next week filling potholes in roads around the region. Look out for them locally on 202 and Rte. 3. Find the complete list of area roads where work is expected here. 

Car thief off the streets. An individual wanted in connection with a spree of vehicle thefts that took place over the last 12 to 18 months is now in custody. “We have identified a suspect and that suspect was arrested in another municipality,” Chief Lee shared on Tuesday. A full report is expected next month. 

Car fire on Market St. Turns out Tuesday's temps got a little too hot for one car, as the West Chester Fire Department was called to High and Market Sts. for an engine fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no injuries were reported. The car, on the other hand, may not be so lucky. “To the guy who lost the nice [Corvette], stop into [Fire Nashville Hot Chicken], lunch is on us. From one car guy to another, I am sorry for your loss,” Nashville Fire ownership posted in the comments. (Swipe to the end to see the video.)

The Sunshine Report.

West Goshen Planning Commission Chair Resigns. Vacancy Filled Within Minutes.

An unexpected series of events unfolded during Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting. At the end of the meeting, Planning Commission Chairman R. Douglas Stewart announced his resignation from the board. Immediately following his announcement, he made a motion to nominate Planning Commission Secretary Corey Wegerbauer to serve as the new chairman. The motion received a second and was approved unanimously.

Moments later, Township Manager Chris Bashore recommended Planning Commission senior alternate Andrew Husband be promoted to regular voting member to fill the opening left by Stewart’s resignation. This nomination was also seconded and approved.

Andrew will now join four other West Goshen residents vying for open Township board and committee assignments. These positions require Board of Supervisors approval and will be discussed at the Mar. 17 meeting. 

Keep shining! —Margie

Hello.

The Biscuit Lady is coming to West Chester. Just five months after posting the keys to her new W. Gay St. location on her Instagram page, Tara Torrence is ready to open her second storefront. Mark your calendars, the grand opening of Biscuit Lady West Chester is planned for Tuesday.

Goodbye.

What would you do with a little extra cash each month? Put away for a vacation? Make a change to the house? Treat yourself to something new? Add to savings? Pay the rent? How you answer that question will almost certainly depend on your current income level. 

The premise was recently tested in real time at a Coatesville daycare, where employees can make as little as $17/hour, and documented in a new film from two West Chester University faculty members. The results are eye-opening.

The Accolades.

Play ball. Despite having had only a few baseball-worthy days around here, trips to Maryland and North Carolina have proven fruitful for the West Chester University baseball team. The Golden Rams return home on Saturday afternoon, bringing a 9–2 record and a national ranking with them. 

A highlight of that run came on Wednesday, when the 19th-ranked Golden Rams defeated Division I St. Joseph’s 14–10 at home. West Chester was lifted by Caleb Strawhecker, who went 4 for 5 from the plate, including three home runs and eight runs batted in. Three home runs in a single game also puts the sophomore catcher in a five-way tie for most home runs hit in a single game. 

This is WCU’s first win against a Division I foe since 2008, when they beat Penn 2–1. They now face Gannon on Saturday at 1 p.m. It will be the Golden Rams’ first home match of the season. 

High School baseball kicked off this week as well. Henderson started with a win over Avon Grove on Wednesday, Rustin is home this afternoon against Haverford, and East begins on Monday against Downingtown East. 

Other things we are celebrating this week.

Record-setting performances. High fives to West Chester University distance swimmer Paul Demesy. The senior set a new school and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) record in the 1000-yard freestyle. The blistering sub-nine-minute performance also earned him the fourth place finish at the 2026 NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving National Championships.

Podium-worthy. Congratulations this week to Rustin wrestler A.J. Corp, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships in Hershey. A.J. wrestled Wilson’s McKaden Speece for a chance to advance to last Saturday’s semifinal but came up heartbreakingly short, losing the match 2–1.

“Congratulations to AJ Corp, the school's first 2x state medalist! Heck of a way to finish off his junior season. Looking for the top of the podium next year!” WC Rustin Wrestling shared on Instagram. 

West Chester for $100, Ken. Shoutout this week to West Chester resident and Downingtown West social studies teacher Chris Kearney on making his Jeopardy debut. Chris participated in Wednesday’s show; unfortunately, he did not win. That distinction went to returning champ James Denison, a college professor from Virginia. I bet it was the buzzer.

Staying alive, staying alive, oo, oo, oo, oo, staying alive. This week, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Erin McCarthy profiled several local shoppers hell-bent on keeping QVC alive. “As long as they’re around, I will shop,” one customer told the reporter. Read the full story here (note: this may be paywalled for non-subscribers).

Most clicked. Last week’s most-clicked link had to do with a series of houses that were demolished along Rosedale Ave. West Chester University removed the homes to make room for a planned expansion of the Sykes Student Union. 

Pay it Forward.

Tell the state what you really think. (Women only.) 

Earlier this month, Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Women launched a survey and listening tour designed to measure the experiences of women across the commonwealth. The responses will be collected and included as part of an upcoming State of the Woman Report. 

Pennsylvania’s first State of the Woman report was issued in 1966. It was last updated in 2002, more than 20 years ago.

If you are a woman and would like to share your thoughts on the state of the state, you can do that here. Responses are being collected through May 30.

News of the survey was shared this week by State Senator Carolyn Comitta.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We will be splitting time between a spring carnival and a knowledge bowl competition, and quietly praying for that spring weather to return. 

If you are around this weekend, it’s going to be a green one. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are getting an early start. On Saturday, the Chester County Ancient Order of Hibernians is hosting its 48th annual Irish Program at the Elks Lodge on W. Washington St. There will be Irish Dancing, live music, and face painting. This is West Chester’s longest-running St. Patrick’s Day event. Tickets are $15/adults, kids are free. Also, La Chic Boutique has your something green. Yori’s has your soda bread, Tiger Snake Vintage is feeling lucky, and Dia Doce is back with its minis. $22 for 12 - but note, you must call in your orders. I may do it just for the Irish Cupcake Bomb. The party continues next week, for actual St. Patrick’s Day, which happens on Tuesday this year.   

While you’re thinking ahead, mark your calendars for Mar. 19, it’s Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen.

Finally, a special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor, First Presbyterian Church. Located at 130 W. Miner Street, they are a family-oriented church that cares for little ones, their parents, and people in all stages of life. Visit their website to learn more or join them on Sundays in fellowship and worship.

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:

• Mar. 14 - Chester County Ancient Order of Hibernians 48th annual Irish Program, Elks Lodge, 401 W. Washington St., 1-5 p.m. Live entertainment, Irish dance, face painting. Admission: $15/adults; children are free. This is West Chester’s longest-running St. Patrick’s Day event.

• Mar. 17 - St. Patrick’s Day, Kildare’s Irish Pub, 7 a.m. - close. Malarkey Brothers are on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the John Byrne Band from 6 - 10 p.m. Then there will be a DJ for anyone left standing. No reservations.

• Mar. 17 - St. Patrick’s Day, Ryan’s Pub, 12 p.m. - close. Food and drink specials all day including on Irish classics like Guinness Beef Stew, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash and Shepherd’s Pie.

• Mar. 17 - St. Patrick’s Day, Cutter and Cannon,  210 Carter Dr. Ste. 5B, 12 -8 p.m. Come for the whiskey drinks and a performance by the WCU Irish Dance Team. 

• Mar. 17 - Science on Tap - Kinesiology, 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!

• Mar. 18 - Apr. 22 - Introduction to Astronomy Class, Peirce Middle School, Room C106, 7 p.m. Learn about the night sky and the instruments used to peer deep into the heavens and get a chance to learn how to use your own telescope (not required). Meets Wednesdays. Class cost: $64. Registration required.

• Mar. 19 - West Chester Multi-Employer Job Fair, West Chester Community Center, 501 E. Miner St., 2 - 4 p..m. Looking for a new opportunity? This is a great place to start. It’s especially helpful for neighbors who are changing careers, reentering the workforce, or trying to bounce back after unemployment.

• Mar. 20 - CCAS Monthly Observing Session, Myrick Conservancy Center, Brandywine Red Clay Alliance. 7:00 p.m. Join the Chester County Astronomical Society for their monthly look at the skies.

• Mar. 21 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. - noon.

• Mar. 22 - Photos with the Easter Bunny, Barnaby’s West Chester, 12 - 2 p.m. Bring the kids to Barnaby’s for FREE photos with the Easter Bunny and a bunch of crafts to keep them busy. St. Patrick’s Day specials available for the adults.

• Mar. 22 - National Puppy Day Party, Levante Brewing. Stop by for a full day of tail wags and cold brews.

• Mar. 24 - Pre-Revision Novel Prep: Know Where You Are Before You Dive In, Ryan’s Pub, 7 p.m.  Brandywine Valley Writers Group is hosting book coach and editor Diana Sinovic at their monthly meet-up. The club meets the third Tuesday of the month at Ryan’s Pub for those interested in joining.

• Mar. 25 - TEDx West Chester University, Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 4 -8 p.m. Featuring speakers from West Chester University faculty, student communities, and regional professionals, this event celebrates collaborations between science and art, dedicated to expanding how we see, understand, and shape the world around us. Tickets: $10/adult; $5/student.

• Mar. 26 - Presentation with Ned Donogue, West Goshen Township Administration Building, 7 p.m. Historian Ned Donogue discusses the role of Quakers during the American Revolution, how the war affected their daily lives, and how both sides of the conflict dealt with Quaker dissent. This is a free event but registration is required.

That’s it. Stay safe, 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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