West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Oct. 3, 2025

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It’s Friday, Oct. 3, 2025: Maggots, a cockroach, and mold, oh my! West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports are out for September. Only ten institutions were out of compliance this month, but man, those that were have some serious work ahead of them. Plus, an update on LaScala’s Fire, the new classic, reimagined (I’ll let you decipher that one)  Italian restaurant coming to Gay Street, Carter Dr. looks to add rum tasting to its list of activities, WCU Homecoming, and a look at the summer real estate market. The numbers suggest there are three things you’ll want to note.

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.  

P.S. Who else is loving these cool mornings? Perfect for a sweatshirt, amiright? 

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports: Sept. 2025

Restaurant Inspection reports are out for September, and while in general it seems the number of institutions out of compliance is going down, there were a few this month that really need to take a good long look at their kitchens - and then get to cleaning. There was one restaurant with a “maggot-like insect” found on a food storage container, another with at least one live cockroach, and a third with mold build-up on their beer pumps. There were week-old meatballs, biscuit mix from 2024, and entire kitchens ordered deep-cleaned. If you think you can handle it, the full list is below: 

The Warnings.

Let’s just stick with, “Is your refrigerator running?” West Chester University and other state schools found themselves the victims of a bad prank on Sunday after each received a call claiming an active shooter on campus. Fortunately, the call, which was received locally by the West Chester Police Department, was quickly identified as fake.   

After being alerted to the threat, West Chester University Police immediately began to investigate the situation and determined the call a hoax. They then notified students of the reason for the increased police presence at the library. 

“Prank Call Confirmed as False ... The University received a swatting (prank) call that falsely indicated an active shooter in the library,” a Sunday news update from the University read.  

Some students, however, felt it should have been the other way around. “If there is any kind of shooter situation on campus, students should be made aware before it’s verified as fake,” one student told Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Susan Snyder. 

For WCU, however, it’s act first, communicate later.  

“The first priority of WCU campus police is to immediately respond to a scene to protect lives and minimize danger,” West Chester spokesperson Nancy Santos Gainer told the paper. You can read more about the situation here. 

Clean up your act. This week, two West Chester Area School District schools were dismissed early after experiencing water main breaks. On Monday, Henderson students were dismissed at 11:45 a.m. after a water pipe break caused flooding in the cafeteria and kitchen areas and left the school unable to serve lunch. Hillsdale Elementary students were sent home at 10 a.m. on Friday after a water pipe burst leaving the school without running water. “We are unable to operate the school as normal without water,” Hillsdale Principal Paige Merten shared in an email. Hillsdale Elementary is in the middle of a three year construction project designed to expand the school’s footprint and convert its signature open floor plan into more traditional classrooms. No word on what caused the Henderson break. 

Arrests made. Last week, West Chester Police arrested three men wanted in connection with a brawl that took place on Aug. 24 outside of Buddy’s Burgers on Gay St. West Chester police had previously announced warrants for five suspects including, Dapree Bryant and Dante Thompson, both from Coatesville, Dareis Lockman, from Parkesburg, Noah Norman, from Downingtown, and Kenario Davidson from Montgomery, Alabama. Last Monday, Dapree, Dante, and Dareis all turned themselves in to the police. Noah Norman of Downingtown was previously arrested in connection with the fight. 

E-bike hit and run. Anthony Atkins of West Chester was arrested and charged with escape and hindering after striking a pedestrian with his e-bike near the corner of N. Church and E. Gay St. on Saturday and then fleeing the scene of the crime. Fleeing is never the right choice, and made worse in Anthony’s case as he left after the police were onsite and investigating the incident. Fortunately, it does not seem anyone was injured in the accident. 

Flower power hit and run. West Chester Police are seeking public assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with an altercation with a flower pot earlier this summer. Unfortunately, the images are mostly dark, blurry, and from behind, but if this silhouette looks familiar to you, give WCPD a call at 610-696-2700.

Lost then found. Last Thursday, Westtown East Goshen police instigated a townshipwide search for Stephen “Fred” Spencer, a senior who had gone missing from Chesterfield Development. Suffering from dementia, Fred was trying to return to Nevada. The search began on Sept. 24. A request for community assistance was posted at 8:57 a.m. on Sept. 25 and was shared 418 times. Fred was found safe roughly eight hours later. “Thank you to everyone who shared the post!” WEGO Police shared on Facebook.  

Drive with care. An accident took out the power lines at Dutton Mill Road and closed West Chester Pike for almost four hours on Wednesday. 

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.  

 2025 West Goshen Township Employee Pay

West Goshen Township residents are fortunate to have dedicated employees who provide excellent service, from police officers who keep our community safe to the staff who maintain our roads, parks, and public works facilities. Their contributions are visible and valuable every single day, but transparency means looking closely at all numbers. 

Police Department - 

• 32 Sworn Officers

• Average base pay: $137,608

• Average overtime / extra duty pay: $13,500

• Total average annual pay: $151,108*

A typical West Goshen officer makes more than $150,000 per year. For context, the statewide median police salary is $86,350, with the top 10 percent earning $112,380, according to online directory All Criminal Justice Schools. California has the highest-paid officers in the country, with a median salary of $115,400 and top salaries around $151,160.

Non-Uniformed Township Employees

• 65 employees

• Highest salary: $177,567

• Lowest wage: $22.10 / hr

• Average annual pay: $79,348* 

For comparison, many Pennsylvania townships and boroughs report average non-uniformed salaries in the $50,000-$60,000 range, often with fewer benefits than those provided in West Goshen. In 2023, public employees who worked for the State of Pennsylvania reported average salaries of $66,885. West Goshen employees, on average, earn between $15,000-$30,000 more annually than their peers across the state.

Why It Matters

Payroll is one of the largest expenses in any municipal budget. With 97 total employees, West Goshen’s payroll commitments are significant. While high-quality staff is critical and our community benefits from their professionalism, these numbers raise the question: are we striking the right balance between rewarding excellent service while maintaining fiscal responsibility to taxpayers?

As costs rise, residents should expect clear explanations from township leaders and elected officials about how compensation levels are determined, how they compare statewide, and how they will be sustained in the years ahead. Transparency and comparisons are essential so that taxpayers can see not only what we’re paying, but how it measures up.

Sunshine remains the best policy.

*West Goshen figures based upon salary and hourly wage information provided by West Goshen Township in response to a Right to Know request.

Until next time, keep shining! - Margie

Hello.

Goodbye.

Thanks to a myriad of factors like pretty landscapes, increased inventory, and the desire to be settled before the school year begins, summer marks a peak time for home buying and selling. Its end provides an opportunity to step back and assess the health of an area’s real estate market. 

West Chester Real Estate Agent Cassie Shankweiler recently analyzed the last four months of West Chester real estate data, including new listings, home sales, and home value appreciation, then compared them against 2024 numbers. 

The Accolades.

This week, we are celebrating moving in the right direction. 

Niche.com, the education data aggregate, has released its 2026 rankings of the Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania, and while five Chester County schools were included among the state’s top 25 institutions, no West Chester high school was among them. How can that be good news, you ask?

Good question. I have been following these rankings for a while now, and while the numbers, which largely focus on graduation rates and reading and math scores, are probably not where competitive families would like them, they are generally moving in the right direction. 

This year, all three West Chester public high schools landed comfortably in the top 50. Yes, Rustin has dropped from its height at #19 in 2023, but it is well up from its 2024 low of #36. Henderson and East, on the other hand, have continued to narrow the gap with their southern rival. In 2024, Henderson was named the #40 best school in the state, while East was out of the top #50 altogether. This year, both have earned four-year highs. 

These rankings, which look at academics, activities and clubs, teachers, college prep, diversity and administration, certainly aren’t everything, but they are something.  

Rustin #26, overall grade A; As in academics, activities, teachers & college prep; B for diversity and administration

What Niche has to say: Bayard Rustin High School is a highly rated, public school located in West Chester, PA. It has 1,189 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. According to state test scores, 87% of students are at least proficient in math and 88% in reading.

Henderson, #30, Overall grade: A; As in academics, teachers & college prep; Bs in diversity, activities, and administration 

What Niche has to say: Henderson High School is a highly rated, public school located in West Chester, PA. It has 1,465 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 85% of students are at least proficient in math and 83% in reading.

East, #41, Overall grade: A; As in academics, teachers, and activities; Bs in diversity, college prep, and admin.

What Niche has to say: West Chester East High School is a highly rated, public school located in West Chester, PA. It has 1,246 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to According to state test scores, 87% of students are at least proficient in math and 83% in reading.

While reading and math are important, WCASD has been working to improve graduation success rates with its Portrait of a Graduate program and initiatives to improve student engagement.

Among private high schools in Pennsylvania, Westtown came in #15, with an A+ overall rating. Its only ding was its sports program, which garnered a B+. 

Other things we are celebrating this week:

Having life-savers handy. A round of applause this week to West Chester officer Adriana Zeiders. Officer Zeiders received an Exceptional Duty Medal from the mayor of West Chester after she used her compassionate crisis negotiation skills to defuse a potentially deadly situation. Officer Zeiders was called in to speak with a man holding a gun to his head and threatening to pull the trigger. According to reporting by the Daily Local News’ Bill Rettew, over the course of a multiple-hour discussion, she convinced the gentleman to drop the gun. 

Officer Zachary Turner, Corporal Jason Francart, and Officer Kerri-Ann Christie were also recognized. The three assisted at the fire above Jake’s, which resulted in one victim falling from a second-story window. You can see all the honors and read the full story of heroics here.    

Respectable golf matchups. The Henderson boys’ golf team is closing in on a chance to reclaim the Chest-Mont National Golf title it surrendered to Downingtown West last year, but it’s going to be tight. Once again battling it out against the Whippets, Henderson needs Downingtown West to lose to Avon Grove on Tuesday, and they need to win against Bishop Shanahan on Wednesday. They just beat the Eagles on Monday, but the schedule has them playing twice in a row this year. Should the teams remain tied, Henderson Coach Mike Orenshaw believes the title is theirs. “I believe we have the tie breaker,” he told the Daily Local News (click the link to review his complicated math). 

Henderson girls are also out there swinging away on the links. In only their first year as a varsity sport, the Lady Warriors golf team fielded eight golfers and qualified three for the Chest-Mont Championships. Way to go, Warriors!   

Thank you for your service. On Oct. 7, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. West Chester University Libraries Special Collections will celebrate the acquisition of the papers of former WCU faculty member and PA State Senator Dr. Andrew Dinnamin. The library is holding a panel discussion on food insecurity and homelessness in honor of Mr. Dinnamin’s dedication to these issues. This event is free and open to the public. 

Staying ahead of the competition. Finally, a shout-out this week to West Chester-based Fullthrotal.ai and Green Lawn Fertilizer/Green Pest Solutions. Both companies made the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2025 list of fastest-growing companies. Fullthrotal.ai came in at number 22 with a two-year growth rate of just over 30 percent, while GLF/GPS ranked 38 with a two-year growth rate of 16 percent. 

Pay it Forward.

Blue Beards for charity is back. From October 1 through December 31, officers around the area are letting their facial hair grow in support of local charities. In exchange for a donation, matched by the police association, officers can forego shaving for the next three months. Last year, officers in Chester County raised over $60,000. This year, they are looking to do it again. 

“We’re honored to stand beside these organizations making a difference in our community and we’re grateful for your support as we grow beards and give back,” Westtown-East Goshen Police shared in a statement this week. 

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser will go to support Unite for HER, the Sambuco Children’s Education Fund, A Child’s Light, Chester County Crime Victim’s Center, and the West Chester Food Cupboard. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

Go pink. Jake’s Bar is back with its classic t-shirt in bubble gum pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Available in sizes small through XXL, the shirt features a foamy beer and ‘70s bubble letters. Grab yours for $20 while supplies last. All proceeds going to Unite for Her.  

Volunteers needed. This weekend, Westminster Presbyterian Church is looking to surpass one million meals shipped. The meals go to support hungry families around the world thanks to the nonprofit Rise Against Hunger. You can help reach this goal by volunteering to prep, package or clean. Click here to sign up.

Whip up a pot (or 100) of chili. The West Chester Chili Cookoff is seeking more teams to participate in this year’s Chili Cookoff. Got a killer recipe? Get recognized and help contribute to a good cause by signing up to be a participating team. This year, F4 will be helping participants secure necessary supplies, making it easier than ever to take part in the fun Borough tradition. 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We will be killing more time sideline but fortunately the weather has been making these endeavors pleasant. In between games, I will be at the West Chester Growers’ Market for my seasonal apple fix, maybe this will be the week the cider is in? I am also excited to check out the Library’s first, hopefully, annual Used Book Sale.

If you are around this weekend, oh so much to keep track of, besides the Library Book Sale and all those Homecoming activities, it’s First Friday in the Borough, that means free street parking (just going to say it for you, yay!) and the semi-annual Gallery Walk. There are 26 artists and locations participating. You can find a map and a list of locations here. Also, the Chester County Day Tour is taking place on Saturday, Westtown Day is Sunday at Oakbourne Park, Gemelli is turning 11, and there will be gelato - sandwiches? I don’t know, but I’m willing to give it a try, and if you haven’t heard, someone has another album. Get your Showgirl goodies here or here. Kidding on that last one.  

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 Snapdragonor check out their VFX reel. It includes some of their most popular videos from 2024 with over 1 billion combined views! If you want more behind-the-scenes and exclusive content you can subscribe to their new Patreon page. 

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:

• Oct. 1 - Nov. 2 - The Great Westtown Pumpkin Hunt, Westtown Township, invites you to follow eerie clues to uncover hidden pumpkins lurking in parking, businesses, and historic haunts across Westtown. Return your completed sheet to enter a spooktacular raffle.

• Oct. 3 - Fall Gallery Walk, Downtown West Chester, 4 - 8 p.m. Self-guided tour of West Chester’s art scene. 

• Oct. 3 - Summer Pop-up Beer Garden: Puppy Pals Live, Uptown Theater, 5 p.m.

• Oct. 3 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester, free metered parking after 5 p.m.

• Oct. 3 - Haunted History Tours, 21 W. Market St., 7 p.m. They say every West Chester house is haunted

• Oct. 3 - Comedian Chris Distefano, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building,  8 p.m. Nationally acclaimed comedian Chris Distefano, a powerhouse stand-up known for his sold-out arena shows and massive online following, will bring his signature humor to West Chester University for one show only.  Tickets: $32-42

• Oct. 3 -5 -HWCU Homecoming and Family Weekend, various events planned throughout the weekend including a Wind Ensemble and Symphony Concert on Sunday afternoon.

• Oct. 4 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Oct. 4 - Chester County Day Tour, Southwest Chester County, 10 - 5 p.m. Country’s longest-running house tour. Destination: East Bradford, Westtown, and others. 

• Oct. 4 - WCU vs. East Stroudsburg Homecoming Football Game, Farrell Stadium, 2 p.m. Tickets required.

• Oct. 4 - West Goshen Fall Movie Series - A Minecraft Movie, West Goshen Community Park, 7 p.m. This is a free event. Movie selections will be announced Sept. 1. Check the West Goshen website for upates.

• Oct. 4 - Goose Creek Get-down, Melton Center, 7 - 11:50 p.m. Learn about the West Chester watershed and help celebrate our progress as an organization with food, drinks, raffles, and live music. Tickets: $25/adult; $10/student

• Oct. 5 - Westtown Day, Oakbourne Park, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mansion tours, petting zoo, live music, historical reenactments, and more at this free community event.

• Oct. 5 - Fine Dining and Wine North Star Fundraiser, Generally Warren Inne, 5:30 or 6 p.m. Support the West Chester-based homelessness prevention nonprofit for single parents. Enjoy an evening of fine dining and wines, all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit North Star of Chester County.

• Oct. 8, 9 - Chilling West Chester: A Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 5:30 and 6 p.m.

• Oct. 10 - 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. 

• Oct. 11 -West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Oct. 11 - Community Fall Yard Sale, West Goshen, various, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Must be a West Goshen resident to participate, but not to buy. Register by Oct. 3 if you would like to participate.

• Oct. 11 - Pumpkin Festival, East Goshen Park, 10 a.m. West Chester’s favorite way to score a free pumpkin. 

• Oct. 11 - Art in the Woods, Chester County Art Association, 100 N. Bradford, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 50 artists’ works plus s’mores by the fire. 

• Oct. 11 - Chilling West Chester: A Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  

• Oct. 11 - Food Truck and Music Festival, East Goshen Park, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. A day of music, food, and fun.  

• Oct. 11 - West Goshen Fall Movie Series - How to Train Your Dragon, West Goshen Community Park, 7 p.m. This is a free event. Movie selections will be announced Sept. 1. Check the West Goshen website for upates.

• Oct. 12 - West Chester Chili Cook-Off, Gay St., West Chester, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.  From traditional beef chili to vegetarian, and everything in between, attendees can sample and vote for their favorites. Winner takes home the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

• Oct. 14 - Senior Expo, West Chester University South Campus, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is hosted by State Senator Carolyn Comitta. Registration is not required, but encouraged. 

Looking for more ideas? The Fall Event Guide is out - and it was just updated with new events! Get it here.

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!

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