West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Nov. 7, 2025

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It’s Friday, Nov. 7, 2025: Why? Why do I ever worry we are going to have a light week? It’s Friday, my friends. Are you ready? A popular West Chester food truck was shut down by the Health Department after an employee was seen getting handsy with the food and the truck was found to have no available fresh water. Plus, the rest of the inspection reports - 17 institutions out of compliance.

Also, a school board resignation, East picks up a state championship, and a new school calendar, with an actual Spring Break? You’ll have to wait and see. Plus, election results, fall leaf pick up, and a string of vehicle break ins. Phew. It was a busy week.  

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Sabatino’s Mobile Pizza Closed by the Health Department

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports: October

Sabatino’s is not the only one with work to do. This month, there were 17 institutions out of compliance with the Chester County Health Department. It’s been particularly tough for the new kids on the block. One downtown newcomer is already out with 14 violations, and another is on its third attempt at an opening inspection. Plus, beer taps with food residue, foods stored in rusty cans, and an employee serving pita bread with bare hands. 

Here is this month’s report (as of 11/5): 

Andrea Napoli Real Estate brings exceptional knowledge of the industry, the market and the West Chester Community. Watch and learn how you can experience the difference.

The Warnings.

Some election irregularities to be aware of. Chester County Voter Services is experiencing some real trouble as of late. First, they left the Prothonotary race off the primary ballots, and now they’ve omitted third-party and independent voters altogether. Non-affiliated voters were forced to cast provisional ballots on Tuesday until supplemental poll books were provided around 3:45 p.m. According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Chester County election officials sent poll books that included only the names of registered Republicans and Democrats, omitting all other voters. Chester County Ramblings sounded the alarm on this early, but as of Wednesday. 3 p.m., there was no good answer from the County Commissioners other than to say that they know they need to look into it.  

Roughly 20 percent of the Chester County electorate identifies as something other than one of the two major parties. Poll hours were extended until 10 p.m. to provide additional time for affected voters. 

Burglary reported on the 400 block of S. Walnut St.. Thieves reportedly entered the home around 3 a.m. on Sunday morning, while residents slept upstairs. Several items were found missing. Neighborhood Ring cameras have caught two potential suspects, one is seen wearing a white “Scream” ghost facemask. If you have any information about the incident, you are asked to contact West Chester Police at 610-969-2700.

Lock those doors. In addition to the burglary above, where residents reportedly left the doors unlocked, Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police are investigating several vehicle thefts that took place during the early morning hours of Nov. 1. Most of the victimized vehicles were unlocked. WEGO police are reminding residents to lock their cars when they leave, but take, or store in the trunk, bags, electronics, and other valuables. Park in a well-lit area and report any suspicious activity to the police. 

Police have a (grainy) video surveillance photo of a possible suspect entering one of the victim’s vehicles. If you have any information about the individual or the incident, you are asked to call WEGO police at 610-692-5100. 

Hit and run assistance. Speaking of help, West Goshen Police are seeking public assistance in identifying a truck involved in an accident that occurred on S. Matlack St. near Snyder Ave. on Oct. 9 around 9 a.m. Assuming your memory is not that good, there are a couple of fairly generic pics taken at or around the scene to help jog it. If you have anything, contact Officer Ashe at 610-696-7400. 

Flu season is coming. If you are having trouble getting your preferred annual vaccine shots through your pharmacy, know the Chester County Vaccine Clinic is still accepting appointments. “Just wanted to say thanks for including the story last month about the Chester County Vaccine Clinic. My local pharmacy gave me a hard time, so I got it through them instead with no issues!” reader Susan Taylor shared this week. Sign up here. (Vaccines are free, however, appointments are required.) 

Hold on those bonfires and fire pits. The National Weather Service has issued an elevated fire spread warning for today. As such, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

The Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. Each week, key decisions are made about how to spend tax dollars, what new developments go forward, and the best way to deliver key services, like trash - and parking. The Report is here to make sure you don’t miss a single one.  

Public Notice: A Conditional Use Hearing regarding a proposed expansion of the KIA dealership property at Westtown Rd. and E. Nields St. will be held on Nov. 10 at 6:00 p.m. The property owner, JAS Real Estate Holdings, seeks to merge three parcels into one 4.5 acre lot and expand the dealership campus.

Planned improvements include:

• A new 12,155 sq. ft. service building

• Renovations/expansion of an existing building for administration offices

• Upgraded parking and landscaping

• Stormwater facilities

• Access changes on E. Nields: where four driveways will be reduced to one consolidated entrance for safer, more efficient access

The applicant frames this as a long-term investment in West Goshen Township

Battery Collection: West Goshen will hold a battery collection event on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Township building. Residents are instructed to place clear packing tape on the terminal ends or place the individual loose batteries in a plastic bag.

Note: the following items will not be accepted: Alkaline batteries, lead-acid batteries that power cars and boats, any battery larger than 25 lb, EV batteries, computers, vapes and cell phones.

Keep shining! - Margie

Hello.

I know we are just settling into Nov. 2025, but can we talk school year 2026-2027 for a minute? Perhaps with another four-day school week fresh in our minds? This week, West Chester Area School District Director of Elementary Education Sara Missett sent out her annual notification - the new school year calendar is ready for WCASD family review. 

Goodbye.

According to the last Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Report of the season, Chester County is one of five PA counties still holding onto peak leaf color. Oaks and beeches are looking particularly good right now. Enjoy them while you can, and when you can’t, local public works departments are here to take them off your hands. 

The Accolades.

This week, we are celebrating finding your beat. 

Each fall, Band Directors sign their bands up for competitions around the regional area. During these intense competitions, a panel of judges evaluates each ensemble on a scale of 0 to 100 on everything from music proficiency to entertainment value to color guard integration. 

The West Chester East Marching Band is no stranger to this process, winning the state championship in 2003. However, in recent years, there has been some upheaval and, dare we say, unmet expectations.

“It’s been a long time since a win like this, and we could not be prouder of this group of hardworking, dedicated musicians,” West Chester East Vikings posted earlier this week on Instagram. 

“There was some director turnover before my arrival,” explained East Director of Bands Christopher Orlando, who assumed leadership of the program four years ago. Now, student perseverance and a steady hand seem to be paying off. 

“This group has responded to adversity well,” he said. “Whether it’s a bad rep of the show, a lack of focus at practice, or disagreements between members, every time the students have come out of those things better for it.”

And it’s paid off. Last year, the Vikings finished second at the Group 1A PA State Championships and sixth at Nationals. This year, the band is undefeated, winning every competition it’s been in, including Saturday’s State Band Championships at Upper Moreland High School. Topping off the “unforgettable” night?  A police escort home.

Up next, Nationals. (Conveniently located in Allentown for anyone interested in showing support.)  It won’t be easy, but the Vikings will be ready.  

“We’re competing directly against 10 other bands and several of them are state champions themselves,” said Chris. “It’s going to be a tough competition, but I know our students are going to put their best performance of the season on that field.”

I am sure they will. Good luck, East Marching Band. 

Other things we are celebrating this week:

Exercising your right to vote. High fives to everyone who took the time to vote on Tuesday. According to Chester County Voter Services, turn out was nearly 48 percent, which is pretty good for an off-year election. 

One of the biggest area races was for West Chester Area School Board, where Region 3 saw four candidates vying for two open positions. In the end, the candidates split the votes, leaving no one candidate with the majority, but incumbent Laura Detre and challenger Beth Campbell with more than their opponents. They will be joined by current members Jewell Parkinson and Karen Fleming, who easily won reelection. 

In the West Chester mayoral race, incumbent Lillian DeBaptiste squashed a last-minute push by write-in challenger Vince Range to earn a second term. 

There was only one contested West Chester Borough Council race. That was in Ward 1, where Democrat Jerry Szczepaniak defeated Republican John McDonald. This will be Jerry’s first term on Council. He will be joined by fellow newcomers, Stephen Marvin in Ward 5, and Lisa Kearns in Ward 7.  In Ward 3, Brian McGinnis was re-elected to a second term. (Not sure where your Ward or who your rep is? I’ve updated everyone’s favorite map.) 

There will be a new face at the East Bradford Township meetings. Democrat Debbie Maynard successfully unseated longtime supervisor John Snook. While in West Goshen, it’s steady as she goes. Current Supervisor Ashley Gange won a second term over Republican challenger Brandon Drobenak. 

Also, in West Goshen, Tony DiFancesca was elected Magisterial District Judge. 

You can find a complete list of election results here.  

Most clicked. I thought it would be interesting to look at the stories each week that garner the most reader interest as measured by most clicks. Sure this is not always an apples to apples comparison some stories in the newsletter can stand alone, while others definitely beg for more context. Still, I thought it would be fun to see what bits of info are piquing your interest. So, drumroll please… anyone have any guesses?... You’re most clicked link last week was……………………………………………………………… The Borough Representative map. A well-informed electorate. Gotta love that. 

Best in state. A shout-out this week to Henderson freshman Erika Dunwoody. Erika came in second in this year’s PIAA State Singles Tennis Tournament. She beat Cumberland Valley’s Pragnya Joshi in straight sets Saturday morning before falling 6-3, 6-0 to Penn Trafford senior Amelia Williams in the finals. Fortunately for Erika, there’s always next year. Congrats, Erika. Impressive start to your high school career.

Also, a round of applause to all who participated in Saturday’s PIAA Cross Country State Championships. Particular accolades to the Henderson Boys’ Team, which finished 13th overall, and individual runners Luke Zajac and Sophia Hnetinka. Luke, a senior at Henderson, was the highest male finisher from the area. He finished 51st out of 252 runners. Sophia, a senior at Rustin, was the highest female finisher. She finished 19th out of 239 racers. 

Friday Night Lights. (Seriously, it’s getting dark quickly right now.) Rustin handled Henderson 42-0 to advance in the District 1- 5A playoffs. They will play Kennett tonight at home. Unionville also advanced with an upset win over Wissahickon, 27-14. They face Strath Haven tonight on the road. 

Speaking of keeping the lights on. The Henderson boys soccer team has once again made it to the quarterfinals of the state tournament, after beating Wyoming Valley West 2-1 under the lights on Tuesday night. They now take on Emmaus at Quakertown Community High School on Saturday at 4 p.m. for a chance to advance to the semi-finals. 

Never giving up. I think it’s safe to say one game behind .500, is not the position the West Chester University Football team hoped to be in with two games left in the season. That, however, did not keep the team from giving it all they had on Saturday afternoon.  The offense-heavy game ended tied 31-31 at the end of regulation (partly due to a 15-yard roughing the kicker penalty that gave the Bloomsburg kicker a much easier, do-over on his game-tying attempt). Still, the Golden Rams did not fold, hanging strong for three overtimes before finally declaring victory on a successful two-point conversion attempt. Final score: 46-44  

Covering your share of the bill. West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste and Police Chief Josh Lee gave the West Chester University Foundation a “big thank you” on Facebook this week for contributing to this year’s police overtime costs generated by Homecoming & Parents Weekend. However, not everyone was feeling quite so generous with their praise. 

“Are they not just paying what they owe?” Charles McGrory commented on Facebook. (Since WCPD did not reply, let me answer. Yes, and not all of that.) 

It was suggested by one resident that we work with the University to establish a $50 Borough services fee. I am not sure if that is possible, or the number correct, but it does seem like an innovative solution to help balance the service load.

Full-time West Chester University students are currently responsible for $1,332.99 a semester in fees. This includes a $440 Education Services Fee,  a $119.75 parking and transportation fee, and a $60 Auxiliary Enhancement Fee, to help cover the costs of renovation projects. While West Chester cannot levy taxes on the University, it can charge fees for services provided. A small Borough services fee required of students to help cover the cost of police, EMS, and trash costs seems like it would be a reasonable request.   

Pay it Forward.

As we talked about a fair bit over the last few weeks, emergency medical service (EMS) costs are rising rapidly. As Good Fellowship Executive Director Chaz Brogan explains this week in a Hello, West Chester exclusive column (or so I’m calling it), ambulance subscriptions can be a win-win for both residents and the ambulance company. 

What’s the Deal with Ambulance Bills? Why they cost what they do, and how a Good Fellowship subscription can protect you - By Chaz Brogran, Executive Director, Good Fellowship Ambulance 

If you have ever needed an ambulance and then opened the bill, you may have been shocked. You are not alone. At Good Fellowship Ambulance, we hear this concern often, and we want to explain why ambulance bills are so high and what you can do to protect yourself.

The numbers are real

• Treatment at the scene without transport: $100 to $350

• Treatment and transport to the hospital: $1,050 to $2,600

One ride can cost more than a month’s mortgage payment. Even with insurance, deductibles, copays, and out-of-network rules can leave you with a large bill.

The story goes back nearly 50 years. In 1973, the EMS System Act helped build emergency medical services but defined them as transportation, not healthcare. This means insurance pays for the ride but not the lifesaving care provided during that ride. That definition still drives billing today. As a result, most EMS agencies are considered “out-of-network,” and payments from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid often fall far below the actual cost of care.  

The result is that ambulance services are costly for patients and financially strained for providers. At Good Fellowship, we collect only about 35 to 40 percent of what we bill, even as we invest in advanced ambulances, medications, and staff ready 24/7.

What about the No Surprises Act? The No Surprises Act of 2022 was designed to protect commercially insured patients from unexpected medical bills. Unfortunately, ground ambulances were left out. Lawmakers feared banning billing without fixing reimbursement would collapse EMS systems.

What can you do? Long-term fixes are being discussed. Pennsylvania House Bill 1152 would require insurers to pay EMS agencies fairly and directly. Local governments could also establish a small dedicated tax to fund EMS, ensuring reliable service without direct billing. But these solutions take time. 

The immediate solution is a Good Fellowship subscription. With a subscription, you and your household owe nothing out of pocket for medically necessary treatment or transport by Good Fellowship. Whether insurance pays in full, pays part, or pays nothing, your subscription covers the rest.

How it works:

• Valid for one year from purchase.

• Your household is added to our secure database.

• We bill your insurance and accept whatever they pay as payment in full. Even if they pay $0, you owe nothing.

Subscriptions are mailed each fall, and you can purchase online anytime at www.GoodFellowship.org.

Emergencies are unpredictable, but the cost of an ambulance does not have to be. Protect your family’s health and your wallet. Subscribe today.

Ways to give back this week: 

Empty your bowl. This weekend, West Chester Food Cupboard is hosting its signature fundraising event on Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Exton Hotel and Conference Center. As described by their marketing materials, Empty Bowls is an “inspiring afternoon of food, crafts, music, and solidarity.” In addition to enjoying a variety of multicultural foods, each attendee will have the opportunity to bring home a handcrafted bowl. Tickets are $50 and still available for anyone who may be interested.  

Adopt a forever friend. The Brandywine Valley SPCA has once again found itself in a capacity crisis. This time, after helping to rescue 98 animals from “deplorable conditions” in a makeshift animal “rescue” set up in a Delaware townhome. The animals are now safe and being treated at the real animal shelter, but such an influx requires extra hands. You can help by adopting or fostering or sending monetary support. Learn more here. 

Speaking of our furry friends, the BVSPCA and Petco are hosting a free vaccine clinic for area dogs and cats. It will take place on Nov. 9 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. It’s a drive-thru format. No pre-registration required. Shots for rabies and distemper/FVRCP available.    

Become a parade marshal. The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to help with crowd control at this year’s Christmas Parade (Dec. 5, if you don’t already have it on your calendar.) You’ll get a nifty vest, and a hat to keep. Tree lighting starts at 6:30, parade follows at 7 p.m. 

Bring a snack, stay for a hoagie. For the next two weeks, Lorenzo’s Steaks & Hoagies on E. Market St. is collecting donations to fill Safe Harbor lunch bags. These bags help provide a mid-day meal for over 10,000 neighbors each year. Needed items include water bottles, juice boxes, trail mix, granola bars, chips, fruit cups, and desserts.  

Recycle those election signs. If you stated your allegiance with a lawn sign, now is the time to recycle it. Just bring them to the Government Services Center on Westtown Rd. and they’ll take care of the rest. 

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The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are wrapping the fall sports season up with some end-of-season soccer matches. Then we are planning to snuggle up for a family movie night. I’m ready to give into instinct. All week, the clock has shouted it’s only 5:15 p.m. but I can’t help but feel it’s time to call it a night. 

If you are around this weekend (and willing to leave the house), tonight is First Friday in the Borough. Stores will be open late and street parking free after 5 p.m. Blink has 20 percent off everything and complimentary bubbly. Then on Saturday, the Friends of Everhart Park are holding their annual fall clean up from 9 a.m. - noon. Volunteers are needed to help spread mulch. If you can help, meet at the northeast corner of the park near the Miner St. entrance.And on Sunday, West Chester holds its annual Veteran’s Day Parade. Parade starts at Henderson High School at 2 p.m. and works its way down Gay St. to the historic Courthouse. Bring your American flags. If you served (thank you), 9 Prime is offering 20 percent off to Veterans both on the Sunday and the actual Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, and Saloon 151 is offering free apps and donating $1 for every beer purchased. 

Finally, a special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor, Andrea Napoli Real Estate. A board member of the West Chester Senior Center and active in numerous local organizations, Andrea understands the role communities play in making a home feel special. Learn more about Andrea Napoli Real Estate here.  

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:

Nov. 7 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester, free metered parking after 5 p.m.

Nov. 7 - Criterions Concert, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 7:30 - 9 p.m. The Criterions are renowned for their dynamic jazz performances. This is a free community event. No tickets required.

Nov. 8 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Nov. 8  - Metal Recycling Event, Westminster Presbyterian, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Recycle anything, mostly metal, weighing up to 40 lbs. Examples include bicycles, file cabinets, shoe racks, mailboxes, hand tools, railings, fencing, gutters, and more, but no refrigerants, liquids, or batteries. 

Nov. 9 - West Chester Veteran’s Day Parade, 2 p.m. The route runs from Henderson High School down Gay Street to the Old Courthouse. Bring your American flags and be prepared to cheer!

Nov. 11 - Silent Book Club meeting, Turks Head Winery, 4:30-6:30 p.m. BYO Book, no assigned reading, quiet reading from 5 - 6 p.m. Stay, sip, and chat with fellow book readers. This club is free and open to the public.

Nov. 12 - Ladies Dance Party, West Chester Golf and Country Club, 6 - 9 p.m. Come out and dance the evening away in support of the Community Warehouse Project. Tickets: $125 and includes buffet dinner, open bar, and unlimited dancing.

Nov. 14 - And Now: A Word From Our Friends, WCU Ware Family Recital Hall, 11 a.m. West Chester University’s jazz lecture series featuring esteemed guests from the world of jazz. This is a free event. Tickets are not required. RSVP to [email protected] if you need a parking pass. 

Nov. 14, 15 - WCU Opera Fall Performance: Three Feathers, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall,7:30 and 3 p.m. 

Nov. 15 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 - Grand Reveal: Unveiling Possibilities, Melton Center, 501 E. Miner St, Join the Melton Center for its 2025 Melton Center Celebration. Tickets: $150/person. That includes dinner, drinks, and live music by Tony “Big Cat” Smith.

Nov. 16 - Take What You Need Fair, Safe Harbor, 1 - 4 p.m. A free community event offering clothing, food, household items, and essentials for anyone in need. Light refreshments provided.

Nov. 17 - $5 Monday Movie: Cinderella Story, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. includes complimentary popcorn

Nov. 18 - Science on Tap- Chemistry, 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!

Nov. 20 - The Beans: Story Slam, Sidebar Restaurant, doors open at 7 p.m., storytelling starts at 8 p.m. To participate, sign up on arrival and be prepared to tell a 5-minute story related to the theme of the night. Tickets: $14. November’s theme: TBA

Nov. 21 - And Now: A Word From Our Friends, WCU Ware Family Recital Hall, 11 a.m. West Chester University’s jazz lecture series featuring esteemed guests from the world of jazz. This is a free event. Tickets are not required. RSVP to [email protected] if you need a parking pass.

Nov. 21-23  - Little Women, The Broadway Musical, WCU  E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, various. See the beloved classic come to life.

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.

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!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors