West Chester Weekly News Roundup: May 8, 2026

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It’s Friday, May 8, 2026: This week, big news from downtown West Chester. We now know what is next for the corner of Gay and High St. MaGerks, a Maryland-based pub with locations in PA, has been selected to take the helm. I talk with property owner John Barry about what that will look like and why he chose not to bring Iron Hill back. 

Plus, the borough is weighing the implications of the State Supreme Court decision on its stream protection fee, I mean, tax. What we know so far, and some ideas on how to spread out the financial burden. Also, WCU prepares for graduation, West Chester’s coolest teacher, a new bookstore is coming to Downtown, and West Goshen’s big community yard sale is tomorrow. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

Correction: In last month’s story on the Chester County morgue, I incorrectly stated the county coroner’s office had lost federal accreditation. They never had accreditation. What they failed was their application for accreditation. This was due mainly to the condition of the facilities. Once the new facilities are completed, the County plans to reapply. 

Happy Mother’s Day! This year, why not give mom the gift of peaceful reading and light community gossip? Get the next year of the newsletter for just $12. (And, no, it’s not wrong to get yourself a little something.)

Borough Loses in Court: WCU Exempted from Stormwater Responsibilities. You Are Not.

“In this dispute, we are asked to consider whether a charge levied by a local municipality for the purpose of managing stormwater runoff constitutes a local tax or a fee for service,” reads the first line in the decision of The Borough of West Chester v. Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and West Chester University. 

An initial ruling by the Commonwealth Court found the charge was not so much a fee as the ordinance stated, but rather a stormwater tax levied by the Borough. West Chester appealed this decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Last week, in a 4–3 ruling, it got its long-awaited answer.

“After careful review, we affirm,” the court wrote, confirming agreement with the lower court’s decision.

What exactly does this mean? 

Well, first of all, it means you still need to pay. 

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The Warnings.

Warning: your polling place may have changed. This year, Pennsylvania primary elections are being held on May 19. Races include the governor and several members of the PA General Assembly, including locally in District 156. The seat is currently held by Democrat Chris Pielli; however, this term, he faces a challenge from Republican candidate Kris Volrath. Also on the ballot are members of the Democratic and Republican County Committees. Here is the County’s official list of candidates. 

There are also two polling place changes to note. In West Chester Borough, District 5, if you previously voted at the WCU Student Rec Center, Studio A, you are still going to vote in the WCU Student Rec Center, just not specifically in Studio A. In Westtown, District 2, if you previously voted at the Cabin at Westtown School, you will now be voting at the Advent Lutheran Church on Green Lane. 

Lost ring found. This week, the West Goshen Township Road Crew found a silver band with diamonds. The ring does have some limited identifiable markings and could be a wedding ring. The band was found in a storm drain located at Huber Place and Halvorsen Drive. If you or someone you know has lost a wedding band and this sounds familiar, give Detective Sergeant Jose Torres a call at (610) 696-7400.

Chester County joins a civil lawsuit against the pharmaceutical industry. The suit alleges that benefit managers, drug manufacturers, and other industry insiders worked together to manipulate insulin prices, keeping them artificially high, sometimes 1,000 percent over where they should have been, for the past two decades. “This office will work to hold big corporations accountable and to protect consumers from predatory pricing schemes. Insulin should be affordable for everyone,” Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement. Read more about the lawsuit here.

No details yet. Last week, rumors began circulating that charges in the tragic death of West Chester University student Garrett Nicholas were under discussion. However, I connected with West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee, and he shared, “There is no further update at this time.” I know many questions remain about what happened that night, and I am told that when and if there is an update, there will be a notification via press release. So until then, I guess just hold tight. 

Do not burn trash. This week, the West Chester Fire Department responded to two trash-related fires. The first occurred at the West Chester University Business and Management Center. Firefighters responded after someone reported smelling smoke in the area. The odor was traced to a trash can fire in the building that had already been extinguished. The area was ventilated, and crews dismissed. The second occurred in West Goshen township in the area of E. Washington St and Garfield Ave., where a resident was found burning trash in a wooded area. The fire was quickly extinguished, and West Goshen Police Department informed the tenant of the Township’s open burning regulations. If you need a refresher, here you go. 

Mind that commute. According to a new analysis from mental healthcare provider A Mission For Michael (AMFM), the West Chester area has the 12th-worst commute in the nation. The survey of thousands of drivers across the nation looked at factors such as unpredictable delays (check), stop-and-go traffic (check), roadwork (check, check), inaccessibility to public transportation (ok, we get it), and the distance traveled between home and work. The absolute worst commutes in the country belong to Palmdale, CA, just outside LA, and White Plains, NY, an NYC suburb. 

Speaking of commutes . . .

Keep that alternate handy. Roadwork continues next week at the intersection of 202 and 926. Crews are now installing a new traffic signal at the intersection. Expect flagging and delays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. But know where construction is not happening? Gay St. The bollard installation project is complete for now, and from what I’ve heard, it's a real win for the borough. 

The Sunshine Report.

West Goshen Township's Spring Yard Sale is tomorrow! 

Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Participating homes are scattered throughout the township, with plenty of opportunities to find books, furniture, tools, sports equipment, toys, home decor, kitchenware, clothing, and who knows what other treasures.

Happy hunting, and may the yard sale odds be ever in your favor.

Keep shining! —Margie

Hello.

This week, after several tumultuous months, new tenants have signed the lease on the iconic Gay and High St. property that most recently housed Iron Hill. “Over the last 100 years, 3 W. Gay St has been home to F. W. Woolworths and Iron Hill,” said property owner John Barry. 

“Now, MaGerks Pub & Grill will continue the tradition as a highly desirable place for families and friends to meet up over great food and drinks in the borough.”

Goodbye.

With ceremonies covering four days, West Chester University is set to graduate more than 3,500 students at 17 commencement ceremonies. The annual rite of passage began on Wednesday with the students of the Honors College and continues this evening with the College of Health Sciences, College of Education and Social Work, and University College. Convocations continue Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until 7 p.m.

The Accolades.

Txt.Shout-out this week to the Henderson High School Academic Team. Last Friday, the team of six competed in four rounds and left the State Capitol building as state champions! 

The daylong event, which is coordinated locally by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, brought together 20 of the state’s top high school academic teams in an intense contest of intellect, teamwork, and determination. 

Henderson secured the win with a dominating championship round, outscoring their competitors nearly two to one. Henderson finished with 110 points. Second-place went to Wallenpaupack with 55 points, and Whitehall took third with 50 points. 

“[This is] an amazing achievement that reflects years of dedication, preparation, and hard work from these students and their coaches!” West Chester Area School District shared on its Facebook page. 

In addition to bragging rights, the competitors also brought home a $2,000 scholarship. 

Other things we are celebrating this week:

America 250. (All year long, people.) Another week, another America 250 reveal. This week, we turn our attention to the West Chester University Museum Studies Program students and their recreation of the Turk’s Head Tavern. The saloon, which sat at the corner of High and Market Sts., served as the area’s preeminent gathering spot during Revolutionary times. Now you too can see what it was like to meet, drink, and debate in 1776 at this new “immersive experience.” The exhibit is part of WCU’s Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, located in the Old Library building. The Museum is open to the community and free to visit. Watch the video above for a sneak peek of the new exhibit.

Golf claps all around. The West Chester University Women’s Golf Team earned its best finish ever, coming in 9th overall at this year’s NCAA East Regional Championships. While the milestone is notable, the finish was not quite what they were hoping for. "Our players should be very proud of the season we had," WCU head coach Chris Merce told the University Athletic team. "Of course, today's final round was disappointing to end on, but going into the final day, close to the cut line and competing for a spot in the National Championship was a position we've never been in before as a program.” WCU Senior Hanna Lignell led the Golden Rams, finishing 13th in the 109-player field. 

Coolest teachers. This week, West Chester Rustin orchestra teacher Liz Shafman was deemed the school’s “Coolest” teacher by the students. The promotion run by WMMR morning show hosts Preston & Steve honors that “one teacher who [students] think is a little cooler than the rest.” Congratulations to Ms. Shafman for making orchestra cool.

Mairead Hopkins. This week, the Rustin grad became West Chester University’s all-time home run leader after belting her 29th and 30th career home runs on Wednesday. The swings helped the Golden Rams take down regular-season champs Kutztown in the second round of the PSAC Tournament. With the win, WCU advanced to face East Stroudsburg on Thursday, where they fell 10–1, but I bet you won’t guess where that one run came from . . . That’s right. It was another Mairead homer. Put her down for 31. WCU will play in its first elimination game this weekend.

WCU Baseball seeks seventh PSAC title. The Golden Rams entered the PSAC tournament as the top seed and on Thursday showed they had come to play, beating Shepherd 13 to 5. West Chester returns to action today at 3 p.m. against the winner of Indiana (Pa.)/Shippensburg. The last time WCU won the PSAC championship was 2024.

High school teams to watch. The high school spring sport postseason begins next week with boys and girls lacrosse. West Chester currently has the potential to qualify all six teams, although some are in a decidedly better position than others. The boys' side is led by Rustin, who currently sits in fourth place in the District. This week, the Golden Knights grabbed a road win over Great Valley to finish district play 11–1. The girls are led by Henderson. After finishing second to Bishop Shanahan last year, the Warriors secured the Ches-Mont League regular season title on Tuesday with a comeback win against Avon Grove. “We worked as a team the whole season to achieve a goal,” senior attack Reese Heim told the Daily Local News. Henderson will likely enter postseason play ranked second in the District.

Most clicked. Last week's most-clicked link led to the E. Market Cherry Tree that was hacked by pruners.

Pay it Forward.

For nearly 20 years, Good Fellowship Ambulance has welcomed the community to take a closer look at what they do—first at the Chester County Hospital’s May Festival, and now, at their place on Montgomery Ave. 

“For 75 years, Good Fellowship has been a trusted part of the West Chester community. As our service area continues to grow, it is important that we clearly demonstrate our capabilities, the services we provide, and the challenges we face to the broader West Chester and Exton communities,” said Good Fellowship Executive Director Chaz Brogan. 

Good Fellowship’s Community Festival will take place on May 16 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There will be stop-the-bleed demonstrations, car seat safety checks, and tours of the station and emergency vehicles. This is a family-friendly event. Kids are not only welcome, but encouraged to attend with their families. 

“This event also offers a valuable opportunity to engage children, introduce them to first responders, and help them understand how and when to call for help in an emergency,” said Chaz. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

Help fill some shelves. The Community Warehouse Project of Chester County is running (very) low on bedding. If you are making a Target run or have some new or gently used comforters and sheets you are willing to part with, they are looking for twin, full or queen sizes. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m - 1 p.m. at 800 E. Virginia Ave. Building 3. 

Sign up to volunteer for Porchfest. West Chester’s favorite jam-on-your-neighbor’s-porch festival is coming back May 16, and they could use some help. “Whether you can help for an hour or the whole day, your support makes a huge difference,” they shared via their website. If you can help make the magic happen, it would be much appreciated. Sign up here.

Share your thoughts on composting. The Borough’s Sustainability Advisory Committee is in the process of exploring the viability of a food composting program in the borough. As part of the investigation, they are conducting a quick survey of residents to gauge their interest and willingness to participate in such a program. It only takes a few minutes. Share your thoughts here. 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Saturday is looking like a lot of soccer for us—so, at this point, I'm not sure if I'm rooting for or against the rain. And Sunday is Mother’s Day. This video sums up my view on the holiday. Fortunately or unfortunately, this year’s endeavors seem to be leaning toward extra. To all the mother’s out there, I hope you get at least one day your way.

If you are around this weekend, Coaxial is holding a group art show at Gryphon Cafe. The opening reception is tonight from 4 to 7 p.m. Tomorrow, Bobbles and Lace is celebrating three years in the borough. Look for live music, cocktails, and new merch. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Also, the West Chester Grower’s Market is back with spring/summer hours, so that means a 9 a.m. start. La Baguette Magique has an amazing-looking vanilla cake with strawberry jam and cream cheese frosting. Speaking of amazing, someone is going to tell me if this ricotta board is as good as it looks, and still looking for Mother’s Day options? Gramm’s Kitchen has a special weekend menu. Put me down for one cinnamon apple-stuffed French Toast. 

Also, heads up, parents of the pre-k set, WCASD runs a Preschool Parents Group open to all future district parents and their kiddos. They are holding their last event of the year on Wednesday. It’s a collab with Young Rembrants and will be held at Glen Acres Elementary. Registration is required. It’s also worthwhile to get on their mailing list if you aren’t already. 

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor, Something’s Awry Productions. Something’s Awry is an animation and VFX studio that built its reputation finding beauty and humor in the unexpected. Don’t believe me? Just watch their new animated short for Snapdragon or check out their VFX reel. It includes some of their most popular videos from 2024 with over 1 billion combined views!

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:

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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