DASD celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

During last year’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, Conjunto Philadelphia performed for students at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center, sharing the vibrant musical traditions of pre-Revolutionary Cuba.
This September 15 through October 15, Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is proud to join the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, achievements,...
Authorities thwart prison escape

Authorities were able to stop a prisoner from escaping from Chester County Prison Wednesday afternoon, local officials said.
According to a statement from county government issued late Wednesday:
“This afternoon, an inmate attempted to escape from the Chester County Prison. He was quickly apprehended due to a combination of security features and prison staff. All inmates are accounted for...
CCIU opens revitalized Engle Education Center

The main entrance of the Engle Education Center
Monday, August 25 marked a significant milestone for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) as the newly revitalized Engle Education Center welcomed approximately 233 students on its first official day. The new building houses several programs including K–12 special education programs such as autistic support, emotional support, life skills...
County looks to bring faith-based organizations into affordable housing discussion

Reverend Sarah Strosahl-Kagi from Royersford Baptist Church (left) and Reverend Dr. Mary Ann Mertz from St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Oxford were part of the panel discussion at the 4th Annual Summit on Affordable Housing.
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe recently partnered with Allies for Housing in Chester County to host the 4th Annual Summit...
W. Chester Council moves to ban retail sale of pets

In a landmark decision for animal welfare, West Chester Borough Council voted 5-1 last night to prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores. The ordinance, backed by Revolution Philadelphia, Humane World for Animals, and Finding Shelter Animal Rescue, aims to cut off the “puppy mill pipeline” and protect both animals and consumers.
“This vote is a victory for animals...
County to participate in International Overdose Awareness Day with ‘Night of Light’

Chester County will join communities around the world in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, with 68 pinwheels that represent the number of lives lost to accidental overdose in Chester County in 2024. The annual Night of Light will be held on August 27 on the steps of the Chester County Historic Courthouse – an event that is informative, reflective and hopeful.
As part of Chester...
ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove, now open

Today, ChristianaCare officially opened ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove, marking a historic milestone as the organization’s first neighborhood hospital in its 188-year history.
Located at 1015 West Baltimore Pike, the new small-format hospital provides 24/7 emergency and inpatient care, advanced imaging and virtual access to specialists, all in a modern, patient-centered setting. The facility...
Octorara names Dutkiewicz as new Superintendent

Dr. Shawn Dutkiewicz
The Octorara Area School District (OASD) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Dr. Shawn Dutkiewicz as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, effective September 1, 2025. The Board approved Dr. Dutkiewicz’s five-year contract during its August 11, 2025 Work Session.
Dr. Dutkiewicz brings more than 25 years of experience in public education, including six...
Commissioners step up support for Chester County Food Bank after Trump cuts

County Commissioner Josh Maxwell and Administrative Assistant Beth Angiulo harvesting onions for the Chester County Food Bank.
In response to critical funding shortfalls caused by significant federal budget cuts, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe have accelerated the release of County-directed support for the Chester County Food Bank. A $75,000 grant—the...
Local officials celebrate start of Ash Park renovations in Coatesville

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan speaks at Monday’s event marking the start of renovations for Ash Park.
On Monday morning, Coatesville City Manager James Logan welcomed 100 neighbors, stakeholders, government officials and guests to kick off the groundbreaking celebration for Phases I and II of a five-phase project to fully renovate Ash Park.
Since being founded nearly 100 years ago, Ash Park...